ISLAMABAD, July 22 (ABC): The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government plans to build and rehabilitate 980.9 kilometres of roads and 34 bridges in 18 districts by November 2029 under the Rural Roads Development Project (KP-RRDP).
According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved the Rs105.45 billion (approximately $370 million) project in February 2024.
The programme aims to improve access to markets, educational institutions and healthcare facilities by upgrading rural transport infrastructure across the province.
Roads and bridges
The provincial Communication and Works Department is implementing the project. Minconsult SDN BHD and Creative Engineering Consultants (JV) are serving as supervisory consultants.
The official plan includes the rehabilitation and construction of 474.2 kilometres of flood-damaged roads. It also includes 324.4 kilometres of rural access roads and 182.3 kilometres of tourism roads. Together, these projects will cover 980.9 kilometres.
The programme also includes the construction of 34 bridges. These bridges will improve connectivity in remote and disaster-prone areas.
District-wise allocation
District-wise allocations show that Dera Ismail Khan will receive the largest share of flood road rehabilitation, covering 207.5 kilometres.
Chitral has the highest combined allocation of 192.1 kilometres. This includes 153 kilometres of flood roads, 22 kilometres of access roads and 17.1 kilometres of tourism roads.
The programme also covers Karak, Kohat, Bannu, Malakand, Charsadda, Buner, Swabi, Lower Dir, Upper Dir, Swat, Shangla, Upper Kohistan, Lower Kohistan, Battagram, Haripur, Mansehra and Torghar.
Project cost and timeline
The cost breakup shows that Rs100.86 billion has been earmarked for civil works. These include road rehabilitation, tourism access routes, bridge construction, utility relocation and contingencies.
The government has allocated another Rs3.78 billion for consultancy services. It has also earmarked Rs813 million for project management, institutional strengthening and horticultural activities.
According to the implementation schedule, the programme will continue until November 2029.
