Peshawar: Progress on the Northern Bypass, a key over 30-kilometre artery designed to complete the Ring Road around the provincial capital, was reviewed on Monday, with authorities reaffirming their commitment to ensuring its timely completion through enhanced funding and accelerated on-ground coordination.
The project, which is being executed in multiple packages, has reached advanced stages across several sections. However, officials noted that the current Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) allocation of Rs500 million for the ongoing fiscal year may need to be revised upward to meet remaining requirements for the final phase.
The matter was discussed during a meeting chaired by Commissioner Peshawar Division Riaz Khan Mehsud, attended by officials from the National Highway Authority (NHA) and the district administrations of Peshawar and Khyber. The meeting focused on expediting pending works, resolving site-level issues, and ensuring smoother inter-agency coordination.
According to project documents, substantial progress has been achieved across major packages. Package II, spanning over 12 kilometres from Charsadda Road to Mulazai Chowk, has recorded 64 per cent completion, while Package 3A, a 5.1-kilometre stretch from Mulazai Chowk to Nasir Bagh Road, is nearing completion with 86.5 per cent of work already completed. Work on Package 3B, extending from Nasir Bagh Road to Takhta Baig checkpost, is progressing in line with its revised schedule.
Officials underlined that enhanced funding during the current fiscal year would help maintain momentum, address escalation costs, and support the timely delivery of remaining works, including underpasses and final connectivity to Jamrud Road.
During the meeting, relevant authorities were directed to address land possession matters, facilitate the relocation of utilities, and accelerate construction on underpasses along Nasir Bagh Road. The commissioner emphasised that the provincial government would approach the federal authorities to ensure the release of the required funds to support uninterrupted progress.
Once completed, the Northern Bypass is expected to play a vital role in easing traffic congestion by providing an alternative route for vehicles travelling from the Motorway and GT Road. The project is also expected to significantly reduce pressure on the Ring Road and inner-city routes, while improving connectivity for residents of northern Peshawar, Hayatabad, and adjoining areas of Khyber district.
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