KP to Rehabilitate Nearly 1,000km of Roads Across 18 Districts in Rs105bn ADB-Funded Project by 2029

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government plans to build and rehabilitate 980.9 kilometres of roads and 34 bridges across 18 districts by November 2029 under the Rural Roads Development Project (KP-RRDP).

The Asian Development Bank has approved a loan of Rs105.45 billion (around US$370 million) for the scheme, with ECNEC clearing the project on February 7, 2024, and the loan agreement signed on September 16, 2024. The program is intended to improve rural access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities by upgrading transport infrastructure across the province, and is being implemented by the provincial Communication and Works Department, with Minconsult SDN BHD and Creative Engineering Consultants (JV) serving as supervisory consultants.

The overall plan covers 474.2km of flood-damaged roads, 324.4km of rural access roads, and 182.3km of tourism roads, alongside 34 bridges meant to boost connectivity in remote and disaster-prone areas. Dera Ismail Khan will receive the largest share of flood-road rehabilitation at 207.5km, while Chitral has the highest combined allocation at 192.1km, comprising 153km of flood roads, 22km of access roads, and 17.1km of tourism roads; other districts covered include Karak, Kohat, Bannu, Malakand, Charsadda, Buner, Swabi, Lower Dir, Upper Dir, Swat, Shangla, Upper and Lower Kohistan, Battagram, Haripur, Mansehra and Torghar.

On costs, Rs100.86 billion has been set aside for civil works — including road rehabilitation, tourism access routes, bridge construction, utility relocation, and contingencies — with a further Rs3.78 billion allocated for consultancy services and Rs813 million for project management, institutional strengthening, and horticultural activities. The ADB-funded programme is scheduled to remain operational until November 25, 2029.