KP Plans Funding for Peshawar Northern Bypass Project

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is considering a Rs. 5.3 billion bridge financing plan to ensure the timely completion of the long-delayed Peshawar Northern Bypass project, which forms a key part of the city’s Ring Road. The over 30-kilometre project, launched 17 years ago, has suffered repeated delays due to irregular and insufficient federal funding under the Public Sector Development Programme.Despite requiring more than Rs. 5 billion to complete its final phase, the project received only Rs. 500 million in the current fiscal year, raising concerns about further delays and cost escalation. Adviser to the Chief Minister on Finance Muzzammil Aslam said the provincial government is reviewing a proposal to provide funds from its own resources as a loan to the National Highway Authority, which would be repaid later. The project’s cost has risen from Rs. 3 billion to Rs. 27 billion over the years.