Peshawar Urban Transport

Key City Development Issues

The public transportation sector in Peshawar has been neglected with no notable investments placed in the sector over the past few decades. Combined with other factors such as inefficient public transport and weak traffic management to organize competing modes, motorization is exacerbating congestion and increasing air and noise pollution. Traffic conditions on key arterial roads have declined to unmanageable levels, with average peak hour travel speeds as low as 11 km per hour. Due to its limited infrastructure, the city’s urban transport system fails to provide mobility for all.

Details of Cooperation

CDIA-supported activities included: (i) development of a 20-year Public Transport Strategy with a complementary 10-year action plan for Peshawar public transportation system highlighting the financial feasibility, environmental and social impact as well as sustainability of the Peshawar Rapid Transit (PRT); (ii) preparation of the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) for urban transport options including assessment of the technical, financial feasibility and management of rapid transit options as well as rail based system for Peshawar; and (iii) formulation of recommendations on the implementation and operational arrangement for the urban transport system including potential for PPP.

Expected Development Outcomes

When fully operational, the project will improve the quality of public transport in Peshawar benefiting at least half a million of the city’s inhabitants. Over the long-term, the project will contribute to the achievement of following outcomes: (i) a safe, affordable, comfortable, and environment-friendly transport system in Peshawar; and (ii) improved quality of life in Peshawar.