In a decisive move to conclude nearly two decades of construction, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has approved Rs 3.9 billion in bridge financing for the Peshawar Northern Bypass. This provincial intervention aims to rescue the project from a 17-year cycle of delays caused by inconsistent federal releases.
A Multi-Billion Inflation Trap
The Northern Bypass, intended to complete the Ring Road circuit, has become a symbol of infrastructure stalling. Since its inception in 2010, the project's cost has ballooned from an initial Rs 3 billion to Rs 27.05 billion a staggering 800% increase largely attributed to slow funding from the Federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).
Provincial Rescue Plan
During a high-level review chaired by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, the provincial cabinet finalized the following financial package:
Bridge Financing: Rs 3.9 billion to maintain construction momentum.
Infrastructure Boost: An additional Rs 1 billion for two underpasses and one bridge.
Direct Funding: Rs 200 million for two culverts, financed directly from provincial resources.
Execution Status
The National Highway Authority (NHA) confirmed that the project has reached 85.6% financial progress. The physical breakdown of the final stages includes:
Package I: 100% Complete.
Package III: 86.6% Complete.
Package III-A: 69% Complete.
Package II: 64% Complete.
Chief Minister Afridi criticized the federal government for the "dripping" fund releases that have paralyzed KP's development pace. He reiterated that the bypass is a project of "vital public importance" and that the province will ensure the June 2026 deadline is met regardless of federal constraints.
