PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Friday introduced the Bridge Design Code, aimed at setting the minimum standards for the construction, repair and design of bridges aligning them with internationally recognised engineering principles.

It also announced the code’s implementation across the province to ensure that future bridge construction adheres to the newly established standards, according to an official statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.

During a meeting, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur was given a detailed briefing about the Bridge Design Code developed by the communication and works department, which insisted that the code was designed to accommodate the unique climatic and geological conditions of the province.

Officials said the code, prepared by a core working group comprising government officials and experts, is licensed by the American Association of State Highways and Transportation Officials.

CM says initiative will prevent bridge failures

“To ensure its enforcement, the government plans to introduce formal legislation, making compliance with the code mandatory for all future bridge projects,” read the official statement.

The officials said the absence of such regulations in the country had contributed to frequent bridge collapses.

They added that the 2022 floods destroyed 107 bridges in the province, while 150 bridges were damaged across the province due to the 2010 floods.

On the occasion, Mr Gandapur said the introduction of the Bridge Design Code was long overdue and its implementation was essential to prevent bridge failures that caused loss of human lives and public resources.

“By enforcing these standards, we can enhance the resilience of our infrastructure against natural disasters and other hazards,” he said.

The chief minister said the provincial government also announced plans to introduce the Highway Code in the near future, strengthening the province’s infrastructure development framework.

Also, Mr Gandapur chaired a meeting to review the status of traffic issues and proposed road projects to address congestion in the provincial capital, according to a statement issued from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.

It added that discussions during the meeting focused on improving traffic flow on University Road and Ring Road and a key Hayatabad road, along with ensuring efficient entry and exit points from the city.

The meeting approved the construction of underpasses, removal of bottlenecks on University Road, completion of the remaining portion of Ring Road, and the initiation of a detailed feasibility study for improved road management and alternate traffic solutions.

It approved a feasibility study for linking the Industrial Estate at Hayatabad with the Northern Bypass to enhance industrial connectivity and facilitate smooth transportation.

Mr Gandapur highlighted the government’s commitment to improving urban mobility and directed the relevant departments to expedite the planning, mobilise all financial resources and planning options within 90 days for the benefit of the residents of the provincial capital.

The meeting was attended by the adviser to the chief minister on information, the special assistant to cm on communication and works, chief secretary, additional chief secretary (planning and development), relevant administrative secretaries, and officials of the Peshawar Development Authority.

Published in Dawn, March 8th, 2025