The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Transport Department will be modernized and fully digitalized In the first phase, the department aims to digitize driving licenses within just four months. Khan stated that the department has been assigned an annual revenue target of 360 million PKR from permit fees, out of which 229 million PKR (65%) has already been collected by December. The goal is to double the revenue from bus terminals by June.
The KP Transport Department was established in 2008, before which its functions were divided among various agencies. Rangiz Khan revealed that 31,000 driving licenses have been printed, with 60,000 still pending. Once the system is fully digitalized, applicants will be able to apply online, requiring only a visit for the driving test.
The government is also partnering with Pakistan Post to facilitate home delivery of driving licenses.
Additionally, the department is launching an online system for overseas Pakistanis to apply for and renew their driving licenses remotely.
To improve law enforcement, the transport department is seeking legislative amendments to grant magistrate powers to its officials. Currently, nine officers have been recruited for the Transport Force but lack authority.
He mentioned that Peshawar is facing severe problems related to traffic management A European-style traffic control system is also in the phase of introduction it would solve the issue of traffic problems.
Rangiz khan pointed that License printing machines, which are currently at the divisional level, will be moved to district levels in the first phase, with nine districts receiving new machines. Additionally, two types of driving schools will be established—one government-run and one private—including separate driving schools for women.
Regarding bus terminals, Rangiz Khan mentioned that transfers and appointments, previously restricted, have now resumed, with 55 transfers recently completed.
The Peshawar-Lahore bus terminal, which had been under the control of a single individual for six years due to repeated stay orders, has now been auctioned. The new contract fetched 230 million PKR, more than double the previous 100 million PKR. Even the terminal’s restrooms have been rented out for 320,000 PKR per month.
New B-class bus terminals are also being developed. A truck terminal in Bannu has been completed and will soon be inaugurated, while another in Ghulam Khan, North Waziristan, is under construction. The Ghulam Khan route is 350 km shorter than the Torkham route, making it a more efficient trade corridor.
The Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system has gained immense popularity in a short time, partly due to economic hardship and its efficient service. Currently, BRT operates on 145 km across 18 routes, with 30% of passengers being women. Out of 345,000 daily passengers, 90,000 are women, and 12% of BRT employees are female. Additionally, 115 wheelchairs are available for disabled passengers.
BRT has also contributed to environmental improvement, reducing carbon emissions by 31,000 tons annually. Future plans include: Outsourcing Chamakani Plaza in February, expected to generate 75 million PKR annually.
Completing Dabgari Plaza by April.
Generating 48 million PKR annually from BRT advertisements and fare revenue.
The KP government is pushing for major reforms to modernize the transport sector and improve revenue collection while making services more efficient for the public.
