KP CM Launches Rs 9.3B Peshawar Uplift Projects

PESHAWAR — Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi formally inaugurated two major urban uplift projects valued at Rs 9.3 billion in Peshawar on Sunday, September 13, 2026. Part of the broader Rs 200 billion Peshawar Revitalisation Plan, the fresh initiatives target chronic traffic congestion and deteriorating municipal infrastructure across the provincial capital.

The latest development phase encompasses a Rs 7.2 billion comprehensive road rehabilitation scheme covering 19 major urban routes—including Dalazak Road, University Road, and Kohat Road corridors—alongside a Rs 2.1 billion underpass at Pishtakhara Chowk. Provincial authorities have set an aggressive three-month completion target for the underpass, which will be officially named after Shaheed Fayyaz Khalil in response to local public demand.

Infrastructure Scope and Phased Execution

The road modernization initiative has been divided into distinct execution blocks to ensure concurrent construction progress without bringing commercial zones to a complete halt. Phase-I(A) covers core inner-city arteries such as Bacha Khan Chowk, Hashtnagri, and Faqirabad, while Phase-I(B) focuses on major traffic conduits linking Peshawar Cantonment to Hayatabad and the Ring Road.

According to provincial administrative briefings, these projects aim to streamline commercial transit, reduce commuter travel times, and upgrade municipal utilities running beneath the main roadways. Funding for the works is being drawn entirely from enhanced internal revenue streams, which officials report grew from Rs 93 billion to Rs 150 billion in the previous fiscal cycle.

According to official provincial government releases and administrative announcements:

• Total Financial Outlay: Rs 9.3 billion allocated for the combined road network and underpass package.

• Road Upgrades: Rehabilitation and asphalt surfacing spanning 19 major routes divided across operational phases.

• Pishtakhara Chowk Underpass: Estimated at Rs 2.1 billion with a strict three-month construction timeframe.

• Financing Model: Executed under the umbrella of the Rs 200 billion Peshawar Revitalisation Plan without introducing new tax burdens.

Official Sources Section

• Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Official Portal: Provincial development outlays, administrative notification frameworks, and annual budget execution reports.

• Peshawar Development Authority (PDA) Disclosures: Engineering specifications, structural blueprints, and project contractor timelines.

Quote Section

"According to Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, timely completion of development schemes is a key government priority, and projects aimed at public welfare will not be allowed to face unnecessary delays."

Why It Matters

For daily commuters, traders, and local businesses in Peshawar, the systematic overhaul of primary arteries and the construction of the Pishtakhara Chowk Underpass promise substantial relief from persistent traffic bottlenecks. For regional planners, maintaining strict execution deadlines under the Peshawar Revitalisation Plan is critical to modernizing the city's transport infrastructure.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Project Launch Date: September 13, 2026.

• Key Dignitary: KP Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi.

• Primary Deliverables: 19 major roads upgraded and one strategic underpass constructed.

• Named Dedication: Pishtakhara Chowk Underpass designated as Shaheed Fayyaz Khalil Underpass.

FAQ Session

What are the two new uplift projects launched in Peshawar?

The provincial government launched the upgradation of 19 major city roads and the construction of the Pishtakhara Chowk Underpass.

What is the total cost of these newly inaugurated projects?

The combined estimated cost stands at Rs 9.3 billion, funded under the wider Peshawar Revitalisation Plan.

What is the expected completion timeline for the Pishtakhara Chowk Underpass?

Provincial authorities have set an aggressive completion target of three months for the underpass project.

Where can citizens review official progress updates on these urban initiatives?

Project milestones, traffic diversion plans, and tender notifications are published via the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Portal.

Source: Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar Development Authority, The News International Peshawar Bureau, Lead Pakistan News Desk