The latest update on the Peshawar Northern Bypass shows steady progress on the long-delayed road project, although officials warned that pending funds could still disrupt the completion schedule. Governor Faisal Karim Kundi reviewed progress on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, during a meeting at the Governor’s House in Peshawar.
The 30-kilometre project aims to ease heavy traffic congestion in Peshawar by creating an alternative route and completing the city’s ring road system. Its total estimated cost has risen to Rs. 27 billion. Officials from the National Highway Authority briefed the governor on the project’s current status.
They said contractors have completed six bridges and the Nasir Bagh flyover, marking significant progress on the scheme. According to the briefing, authorities have already spent about Rs. 23 billion. They still need another Rs. 4 billion to finish the remaining work.
Under the current schedule, Package II is due for completion by September 2026, while Package I is due by December 2026. However, NHA officials warned that any delay in fund releases could push those deadlines back. They also told the governor that authorities had already transferred funds for shifting power transmission lines to the relevant department. That step removes one obstacle, but the broader funding gap remains a concern.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi described the bypass as an important public project that will improve convenience for residents and help reduce traffic pressure in Peshawar. He said he would personally raise the issue of pending funds with both federal and provincial authorities. His assurance comes as the project continues to face scrutiny over rising costs. Initial estimates put the bypass at Rs. 3 billion, but the cost has now climbed to Rs. 27 billion.
Once completed, the Northern Bypass will likely play a major role in reducing congestion and improving traffic flow across the city. By helping complete the ring road network, the project could shift traffic away from crowded urban routes and make daily commutes easier. For now, the key question is whether authorities will release the remaining funds quickly enough to keep the current deadlines on track.
