Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province

Peshawar: [ReNews Pakistan]
Construction work has officially commenced on two major flyover projects worth a combined Rs 5.8 billion in Peshawar, marking another significant milestone under the provincial government's ambitious Rs 200 billion Peshawar Revitalization Plan. The projects are designed to enhance traffic management, improve road safety, and modernize the transportation infrastructure of the provincial capital.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Warsak Road Flyover and the Palosi Flyover, both of which form an integral part of Ring Road Phase II. The government has described the projects as key investments aimed at addressing the city's growing traffic demands while supporting long-term urban development.
The Warsak Road Flyover, the largest flyover project under the Peshawar Revitalization Plan, will extend approximately 800 metres and is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 3.2 billion. According to project officials, the flyover is expected to be completed within 180 days and will significantly improve traffic flow along one of the city's busiest transport corridors.
The Palosi Flyover, estimated to cost Rs 2.6 billion, will further strengthen the Ring Road Phase II network by reducing congestion at a major traffic intersection. Officials said the project will improve road safety, facilitate smoother traffic movement, and enhance connectivity between key urban and suburban areas.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi said development activities are progressing across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, adding that the Peshawar Revitalization Plan represents one of the provincial government's flagship urban infrastructure initiatives. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to transforming Peshawar into a modern, well connected, and sustainable metropolitan city that reflects its importance as the administrative and economic centre of the province.
The Rs 200 billion Peshawar Revitalization Plan comprises a wide range of infrastructure and urban development projects focused on improving mobility, reducing traffic congestion, upgrading public facilities, and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents. Officials believe the completion of the two flyovers will play a crucial role in creating a more efficient and reliable transportation network for the rapidly growing provincial capital.

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced a major expansion of its Safe City initiative, allocating PKR 5.8 billion in the 2026 27 provincial budget to extend the project to 13 districts as part of a broader strategy to enhance public security, improve surveillance capabilities and strengthen crime prevention across the province.
According to the provincial budget documents, the expansion will introduce modern monitoring, communication and surveillance systems in both settled and newly merged districts, enabling law enforcement agencies to respond more effectively to security threats and criminal activity. The initiative is expected to improve coordination among security institutions while increasing the use of technology in policing and public safety operations.
In addition to the district expansion, the government has earmarked PKR 350 million for the establishment of a state-of-the-art command and control centre in Peshawar, which will serve as the operational hub for monitoring and coordinating Safe City operations across the province.
The project will be implemented in phases. Phase One will cover South Waziristan, North Waziristan, Orakzai and Kurram, with a proposed allocation of PKR 1.8 billion. Phase Two will extend the initiative to Khyber, Mohmand and Bajaur, further expanding the province's security monitoring network in strategically important border districts.
The budget also proposes an additional PKR 700 million for the ongoing Peshawar Safe City project, where more than PKR 2 billion has already been invested in surveillance infrastructure and related security systems.
Separate allocations have also been made for other districts. PKR 500 million has been proposed for Safe City projects in Kohat, Mardan and Swat, while Karak and Tank will receive PKR 350 million. An initial allocation of PKR 20 million has been earmarked for launching the project in Mansehra.
Officials believe the expanded Safe City programme will enhance law enforcement capabilities through advanced surveillance technology, integrated communication systems and real-time monitoring, ultimately improving public safety, supporting crime prevention and strengthening the province's overall security infrastructure.

Abbottabad: [ReNews Pakistan]
The long awaited Abbottabad Interchange project has received fresh approval following a detailed review by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP), removing a key hurdle that had delayed the scheme and paving the way for construction work to commence in the near future.
According to former Federal Minister Murtaza Javed Abbasi, the interchange was originally announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in 2022 as part of efforts to improve road infrastructure and strengthen connectivity in the Hazara region. The project was subsequently tendered in 2023, but progress stalled due to a substantial increase in land acquisition costs.
Abbasi said that the federal government had already released PKR 600 million for the project. Initially, the acquisition of 119 kanals of land required for the interchange was estimated to cost around PKR 115 million. However, a revised assessment by the district administration increased the acquisition cost to approximately PKR 810 million, creating a significant funding gap and necessitating a review by the CDWP.
Following the review process, the project was granted fresh approval by the National Highway Authority’s (NHA) Departmental Development Committee. The approval is expected to accelerate implementation and allow authorities to proceed with the next phase of development.
Officials believe the interchange will play a crucial role in improving traffic management in Abbottabad, reducing congestion on key routes, and enhancing access for commuters and transporters traveling through the region. The project is also expected to benefit neighboring districts, including Mansehra and Haripur, by providing smoother and more efficient road connectivity.
Abbasi expressed optimism that construction activities would begin shortly after the completion of remaining administrative formalities. He added that the project’s inauguration is likely to be carried out by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif once work progresses to a suitable stage.
The Abbottabad Interchange is considered an important infrastructure initiative for the Hazara division, with stakeholders hoping it will support economic activity, facilitate regional mobility, and contribute to long-term transportation development in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.