PESHAWAR: The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has included an Urban Train Project in its Annual Development Programme (ADP), whose implementation will commence in the near future, providing residents with a modern, efficient and sustainable public transport system.
This was announced by the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Sohail Afridi, while launching the upgradation of 34 existing public parks under the Peshawar Revitalization Plan, reaffirming the provincial government’s commitment to investments I nurban infrastructure, public spaces and essential services.
He said that, in response to increasing traffic demand and urban expansion, the proposed Outer Ring Road has also been inducted into the Annual Development Programme.
The project’s feasibility study is in its final stages and construction is expected to begin following completion of the requisite technical processes. He commended the Peshawar Development Authority, the Local Government Department and all implementing agencies for their coordinated efforts in translating the initiative into action.
The park upgradation programme will be executed at a cost of Rs1 billion, covers all34 existing public parks across the city. Construction and rehabilitation activities have commenced simultaneously at all sites. To facilitate efficient implementation and timely completion, the project has been divided into five execution packages encompassing landscape improvement, recreational facilities, public amenities and enhanced accessibility.
The provincial government is currently implementing development initiatives under Peshawar Revitalization Plan worth approximately Rs200 billion aimed at improving urban infrastructure, transport connectivity and public services throughout Peshawar.
Highlighting the province’s fiscal performance, the chief minister said the provincial government remains committed to prudent financial management, institutional reforms and transparent governance despite significant fiscal constraints.
He stated that while the revenue target for FY2025–26 had been set at Rs129billion, actual collections reached Rs150 billion. For the current fiscal year, the government has established a revenue target of Rs180 billion with the objective of increasing collections to Rs200 billion.
He emphasized that these gains had been achieved without imposing new taxes on citizens, attributing improved revenue performance to administrative reforms, strengthened governance systems, enhanced financial transparency and greater efficiency in public expenditure.
The chief minister said the provincial government is simultaneously pursuing investments in infrastructure, economic development and employment generation to improve public service delivery, strengthen the provincial economy and enhance people’s quality of life.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
Comments