PESHAWAR — The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has included the proposed Urban Train Project and Outer Ring Road in the province’s Annual Development Programme (ADP), marking a major step toward improving public transport and strengthening Peshawar’s urban infrastructure.
Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi announced the developments while launching the rehabilitation and upgradation of 34 public parks under the Peshawar Revitalization Plan. He said work on the Urban Train Project would begin in the near future, aiming to provide residents with a modern, efficient and sustainable public transportation system.
The proposed Urban Train is expected to improve mobility across the provincial capital and provide an alternative to existing modes of transportation as Peshawar’s population and traffic demand continue to grow.
Outer Ring Road Project Added to ADP
The provincial government has also incorporated the proposed Peshawar Outer Ring Road into the ADP. According to the chief minister, the project is intended to address increasing traffic pressure and support the city’s continued urban expansion.
The feasibility study for the Outer Ring Road is reportedly in its final stages. Construction is expected to begin after the completion of the necessary technical assessments and other formal requirements.
The project could play an important role in improving connectivity between different parts of Peshawar while helping divert heavy traffic away from congested urban areas.
PKR 1 Billion Allocated for Public Parks
Alongside major transport projects, the government has launched a PKR 1 billion rehabilitation programme for all 34 public parks in Peshawar.
The initiative includes landscaping, improved recreational facilities, upgraded public amenities and better accessibility. The programme forms part of the wider Peshawar Revitalization Plan, which aims to improve the city’s urban environment and public spaces.
Chief Minister Afridi said the provincial government is currently implementing development initiatives worth approximately PKR 200 billion under the revitalization plan. These projects are focused on upgrading urban infrastructure, improving transport connectivity and strengthening public services across the provincial capital.
KP Reports Stronger Revenue Collection
The chief minister also highlighted the provincial government’s recent fiscal performance. According to the figures presented, KP collected approximately PKR 150 billion in revenue during FY2025-26, exceeding its target of PKR 129 billion.
For the current fiscal year, the government has set a revenue collection target of PKR 180 billion and aims to increase collections to PKR 200 billion through administrative reforms and improved governance.
The government said the higher revenue target would be pursued without imposing new taxes, with a focus instead on improving collection mechanisms and strengthening administrative efficiency.
The inclusion of the Urban Train and Outer Ring Road in the development programme, alongside the rehabilitation of public parks and other infrastructure initiatives, signals a broader effort by the KP government to modernise Peshawar and address the city’s growing transportation and urban development needs.
