Peshawar( Khyber Point)Peshawar’s flagship Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, once hailed as a modern solution to the city’s chronic traffic problems, is again under fire amid allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and poor-quality construction.
The project, launched during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government and completed at a cost of billions of rupees, is now showing signs of decay only a short time after becoming operational. Commuters report that dozens of sections along the BRT route are riddled with cracks, potholes, and surface damage, causing frequent delays and discomfort for passengers who rely on the system daily.
Critics argue that the rapid deterioration of the infrastructure is a direct result of substandard materials and lack of oversight during construction. Public opinion has turned sharply critical, with many residents calling the project a “symbol of failed transparency” despite the government’s earlier promises of accountability and high standards.
Adding to the controversy, the BRT administration has so far avoided giving clear answers regarding the structural damage. Civil society activists and opposition leaders are demanding a thorough investigation into how a project of such enormous cost could begin to crumble so quickly.
The deteriorating road conditions have raised serious questions about long-term planning and maintenance of mega-projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Observers note that while the BRT was touted as a modern transit solution, its flaws now risk undermining public trust in future infrastructure projects.
With repair work still pending at several damaged sections, frustration among daily commuters continues to grow. Calls for accountability are intensifying, as citizens demand to know how billions in taxpayer money were spent on a project that appears to be falling apart within years of its completion.
