Peshawar: The Peshawar District Administration has formed a committee, led by National Assembly member Shandana Gulzar, to address the challenges delaying the Peshawar-Torkham Expressway project. The committee is expected to submit its findings within 72 hours, according to sources on August 20.
As per the details, the expressway is a 47-kilometre, four-lane project with a total cost of USD 460 million. The World Bank is providing USD 360 million, with the remaining amount being funded by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
Peshawar Commissioner Riaz Khan Mehsud highlighted the project’s importance for the region, as it will connect Pakistan to the Central Asian Republics (CARs) and significantly enhance trade. The expressway, also known as the Southern Link Road (SLR), will start near Tarnab Farm in Peshawar, pass through the Badhaber area, and extend to the Torkham border crossing.
Furthermore, it is observed that the progress on the expressway has been delayed due to issues concerning graveyards, commercial properties, and agricultural land along the proposed route. Efforts to address these concerns have been ongoing, with three meetings held in the past 10 days.
The newly formed committee, which includes key officials and community representatives, is tasked with resolving these issues and building public support. The committee plans to visit the project site soon. Commissioner Mehsud reiterated the project’s significance in enhancing trade and easing traffic congestion in Peshawar, emphasising the administration’s commitment to timely completion.
As a graduate in English Literature, Zohaib believes that words are not just a mere figment of imagination. It takes wisdom to be good at them. Following this reason, he is pursuing his career as Public Relations and Content Specialist at Zameen.com.
