Peshawar (News Desk): A crucial and extended meeting of the Traffic Issues Committee, established under the direction of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, was held at the Commissioner’s office in Peshawar. The meeting was chaired by Provincial Minister for Excise, Khaliq Ur Rehman, and was attended by Commissioner Peshawar Riaz Mehsud, MNAs Shandana Gulzar, Arbab Sher Ali, MPAs Samiullah Khan, Secretary Excise Fayaz Ali Shah, DG Excise Abdul Aleem Khan, and officers from various departments including Transport, Excise, PDA, CTP, RTA, and the district administration.
The meeting began with a presentation by the Deputy Commissioner Peshawar on the medium-term and long-term traffic plans for the city. The short-term traffic plan, which will span three months, includes providing dedicated space for impounded vehicles, as there is currently no secure place for them. The plan also outlines the installation of signboards, diversions, traffic lights, and tire bursters. Additionally, the relocation of major bus terminals and bus depots to less congested areas is planned.
The long-term plan includes urban road development, with over 150 cameras to be installed to monitor traffic effectively. Multi-story parking facilities will be built to address the parking issue, and amendments to traffic laws and regulations will be made where necessary. The plan also includes the construction of underground tunnels and overhead bridges, along with the installation of electric signboards for traffic awareness.
Other important measures include the prohibition of LPG and CNG kits in public vehicles, as per OGRA regulations, and the strict enforcement of fitness certificates for vehicles. A Smart Parking Management System will be implemented to control traffic congestion and enhance vehicle safety, particularly in areas with high traffic density. Owners of plazas without parking facilities will be required to provide secure parking, and illegal parking will be strictly penalized.
In addition, the meeting discussed the improvement of GT Road and feeder routes to ensure smoother traffic flow and prevent congestion. To address environmental concerns, it was noted that transportation contributes 58.46% of pollution in Peshawar. To mitigate this, there is a push for extensive tree planting during the spring season to increase green areas and improve air quality.
The long-term plan also includes imposing heavy fines on vehicles emitting excessive smoke and introducing air purification plants to reduce pollution. The Excise and EPA departments will work together to promote electric vehicles to further reduce air pollution in the city.
The meeting also emphasized the need for increasing human resources in relevant departments to ensure effective implementation of these plans. Specific areas will be identified for small businesses, including hand carts, to prevent them from causing traffic blockages, while ensuring their livelihood is protected.
Finally, the committee emphasized the removal of junctions on the BRT corridor that hinder traffic flow and the establishment of new U-turns to ease congestion. The provincial government is committed to addressing the growing pollution and traffic issues in Peshawar, and a comprehensive plan will soon be presented to the Chief Minister for approval, with immediate action to follow.
End of report.
