PESHAWAR: The provincial government has approved the next phase of BRT expansion in Peshawar, with plans to add 52 diesel hybrid buses and 50 electric buses to the existing fleet by June 2026. Officials said the diesel hybrid buses will cost about Rs 3.2 billion, while the electric buses will be added at a cost of around Rs 6.2 billion, reflecting higher prices due to charging systems and modern onboard technology.
The decision was shared during a meeting on the proposed extension of the BRT network, chaired by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, with senior officials from planning, transport, and administration also present.
Routes to Jamrud and Bara to Improve Daily Travel
As part of the BRT expansion in Peshawar, the service will be extended to Tehsil Jamrud and Tehsil Bara in Khyber district. The chief minister directed authorities to complete all preparatory work quickly so construction and service rollout can stay on schedule. Officials said the extension will make daily travel easier for students, workers, and small traders who commute between Peshawar and nearby areas.
The government believes the new routes will reduce dependence on overcrowded minibuses and private vehicles, helping cut travel time and lowering road congestion during peak hours.
ALSO READ: Peshawar Food Prices Keep Rising, Essentials Hard to Afford
New Infrastructure Planned at Key Stations
To support the BRT expansion in Peshawar, a dedicated ramp will be built at Karkhano Station at an estimated cost of Rs 500 million. Officials said the ramp will help buses enter and exit the corridor smoothly, reducing delays and improving overall service reliability.
Authorities were briefed on infrastructure needs, including station upgrades, road adjustments, and safety measures along the new stretches. These improvements are meant to ensure that the extended routes meet the same standards as the existing BRT corridor.
Bus Stops and Fleet for New Market Areas
Officials informed the meeting that 12 new 12-meter buses will initially be used to start BRT operations for Jamrud and Bara bazaars. Along the five-kilometer stretch from Karkhano Market to Jamrud Bazaar, eight bus stops will be set up. On the seven-kilometer route from Pishtakhara to Bara Bazaar, ten bus stops will be established to serve busy commercial and residential areas.
This phase of BRT expansion in Peshawar is designed to cover areas with high passenger demand, especially where regular public transport has been limited or unreliable.
Environmental and Traffic Benefits Expected
The government said that adding electric buses under the BRT expansion in Peshawar will help reduce fuel use and lower emissions, which is important for improving air quality in and around the city. Officials also expect fewer private vehicles on the road once more people shift to reliable public transport.
They added that smoother traffic flow will also support emergency services and commercial movement, which often face delays due to congestion on key entry routes to the city.
Current Network and Future Outlook
At present, the BRT system operates on 18 routes covering about 132 kilometers. With the new extensions, the network will connect more suburban and semi-urban areas directly to the main city corridor. Authorities said future phases of BRT expansion in Peshawar may focus on linking additional growing settlements if funding and planning approvals are secured.
For now, officials say the priority is to complete fleet additions, station construction, and staff training so the new routes can start operating smoothly by the planned deadline in 2026.
