Peshawar: [ReNews Pakistan]
Construction work has officially commenced on two major flyover projects worth a combined Rs 5.8 billion in Peshawar, marking another significant milestone under the provincial government's ambitious Rs 200 billion Peshawar Revitalization Plan. The projects are designed to enhance traffic management, improve road safety, and modernize the transportation infrastructure of the provincial capital.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Warsak Road Flyover and the Palosi Flyover, both of which form an integral part of Ring Road Phase II. The government has described the projects as key investments aimed at addressing the city's growing traffic demands while supporting long-term urban development.
The Warsak Road Flyover, the largest flyover project under the Peshawar Revitalization Plan, will extend approximately 800 metres and is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 3.2 billion. According to project officials, the flyover is expected to be completed within 180 days and will significantly improve traffic flow along one of the city's busiest transport corridors.
The Palosi Flyover, estimated to cost Rs 2.6 billion, will further strengthen the Ring Road Phase II network by reducing congestion at a major traffic intersection. Officials said the project will improve road safety, facilitate smoother traffic movement, and enhance connectivity between key urban and suburban areas.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi said development activities are progressing across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, adding that the Peshawar Revitalization Plan represents one of the provincial government's flagship urban infrastructure initiatives. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to transforming Peshawar into a modern, well connected, and sustainable metropolitan city that reflects its importance as the administrative and economic centre of the province.
The Rs 200 billion Peshawar Revitalization Plan comprises a wide range of infrastructure and urban development projects focused on improving mobility, reducing traffic congestion, upgrading public facilities, and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents. Officials believe the completion of the two flyovers will play a crucial role in creating a more efficient and reliable transportation network for the rapidly growing provincial capital.

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced a major expansion of its Safe City initiative, allocating PKR 5.8 billion in the 2026 27 provincial budget to extend the project to 13 districts as part of a broader strategy to enhance public security, improve surveillance capabilities and strengthen crime prevention across the province.
According to the provincial budget documents, the expansion will introduce modern monitoring, communication and surveillance systems in both settled and newly merged districts, enabling law enforcement agencies to respond more effectively to security threats and criminal activity. The initiative is expected to improve coordination among security institutions while increasing the use of technology in policing and public safety operations.
In addition to the district expansion, the government has earmarked PKR 350 million for the establishment of a state-of-the-art command and control centre in Peshawar, which will serve as the operational hub for monitoring and coordinating Safe City operations across the province.
The project will be implemented in phases. Phase One will cover South Waziristan, North Waziristan, Orakzai and Kurram, with a proposed allocation of PKR 1.8 billion. Phase Two will extend the initiative to Khyber, Mohmand and Bajaur, further expanding the province's security monitoring network in strategically important border districts.
The budget also proposes an additional PKR 700 million for the ongoing Peshawar Safe City project, where more than PKR 2 billion has already been invested in surveillance infrastructure and related security systems.
Separate allocations have also been made for other districts. PKR 500 million has been proposed for Safe City projects in Kohat, Mardan and Swat, while Karak and Tank will receive PKR 350 million. An initial allocation of PKR 20 million has been earmarked for launching the project in Mansehra.
Officials believe the expanded Safe City programme will enhance law enforcement capabilities through advanced surveillance technology, integrated communication systems and real-time monitoring, ultimately improving public safety, supporting crime prevention and strengthening the province's overall security infrastructure.

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced a Rs 2.17 trillion budget for the fiscal year 2026 27, placing a major emphasis on development projects, urban improvement, infrastructure expansion and regional uplift across the province.
Presenting the budget in the KP Assembly, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said the provincial government has allocated Rs 524 billion for the Annual Development Programme, making development spending one of the central pillars of the new financial plan. The budget also sets aside Rs 35 billion for merged tribal districts, reflecting the government’s focus on infrastructure and public service delivery in previously underdeveloped areas.
A major urban development component of the budget is the Rs 36 billion allocation for the Peshawar Rehabilitation Programme. The initiative is expected to support improvement of civic infrastructure, public spaces, roads and urban services in the provincial capital.
The government has also earmarked Rs 7.5 billion for the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit project, indicating continued financial support for mass transit and urban mobility. In addition, Rs 4 billion has been allocated for the Khushhal Hazara Programme, aimed at regional development in Hazara division.
The budget proposes Rs 42 billion for the energy sector, a key area linked with industrial growth, real estate development and long-term investment activity. The transport sector has been allocated Rs 14 billion, while local government has received Rs 90 billion, which may support municipal services, local infrastructure and development schemes at district level.
The agriculture department has been allocated Rs. 29 billion, while Rs 2 billion has been proposed for the Ehsaas Kisan Programme. These allocations are expected to support rural development and strengthen the economic base of agricultural areas.
The budget also includes Rs 2.5 billion for an electric bikes and rickshaws scheme, aimed at promoting cleaner and more affordable transport options in urban and semi-urban areas.
The proposed budget will now be debated in the KP Assembly before being put to a vote for approval.