CM-KP accords approval to Peshawar Revitalization Plan

PESHAWAR
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has given in-principle approval to the Peshawar Revitalization Plan. He instructed authorities to carefully scrutinize all proposed projects and move forward only with those that were fully feasible.
Afridi stressed that feasibility studies, PC-1s, and all technical and administrative requirements must be completed on time to prevent delays.
The announcement was made during a meeting at the Chief Minister’s House to review the plan, according to an official statement.
During the meeting, a detailed review of the projects proposed in the plan was carried out and the future course of action was deliberated upon. The Chief Minister directed that tangible and result-oriented progress be ensured on the revitalization plan with a clear strategy so that visible improvement can be brought about in the overall condition of the provincial capital.
Chief Minister Mohammad Sohail Afridi stated that transforming the provincial capital into a modern, beautiful and public-friendly city is the government’s ultimate objective, and that effective implementation of the proposed plan would significantly change the outlook and livability of Peshawar within the next one to two years. While briefing the meeting, it was informed that under the Peshawar Revitalization Plan, dozens of development projects worth billions of rupees were included under the Peshawar Development Authority, Public Health Engineering Department, Local Council Board, Irrigation Department, Communication and Works Department and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Highways Authority.
Some of these projects were already part of the Annual Development Programme and work on them is currently in progress.
The meeting was further informed that feasibility studies and designing work for the upgradation of 35 major arterial roads in urban areas of Peshawar was underway. Projects for undergrounding of electricity cables from Pir Zakori Flyover to Suri Pul and from Aman Chowk to Karkhano Market are also part of the plan, with the commencement of work expected by May this year. It was added that consultancy services have been hired for the construction of underpasses at identified traffic hot spots on various roads. The construction of a link road from Hayatabad Industrial Estate to Northern Bypass and Frontier Road has also been included among the top priority projects.
In addition, construction of the missing link of the Ring Road from Nasir Bagh to Regi Model Town, as well as development of two new theme parks on Khweshgi and Takhta Baig roads, form part of the revitalization plan.
The briefing further stated that projects such as a high-tech children’s park, a cloverleaf interchange at Pir Zakori intersection, and the construction of the “Frame of Peshawar” at Chamkani were also included.
A consultant has been hired for feasibility and designing of the conservation and rehabilitation project of the Walled City of Peshawar. Keeping future requirements in view, detailed public transport planning and transport modelling studies have also been made part of this comprehensive plan.
The meeting was also informed that rehabilitation of the Kabul River Canal, Budni Nala, canal patrol roads and other irrigation infrastructure is included in the plan. The PC-I for repair of old street and road lights and installation of new lighting has been prepared.
Moreover, projects related to the construction of four new slaughterhouses, establishment of new water supply schemes and rehabilitation of non-functional existing water supply schemes were at various stages of approval. Improvement of the sanitation system, procurement of electric road cleaners, rehabilitation of Shahi Khata, and construction of a sewerage treatment plant at Faqir Kale are also part of the plan.
CM KP Sohail Afridi expressed satisfaction over the progress made under the ongoing Peshawar Uplift Programme and directed that the remaining works be completed on a priority basis to ensure timely and tangible relief for the public.