PROJECT BRIEF

1.0

BACKGROUND

Peshawar is the capital of the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and the
administrative and economic hub of this area. The population of Peshawar city is
approximately 2 million, and it is located at 34.0117N, 71.5389E with an area of 1,257
sq.km (485.3 sq miles). Peshawar is situated in a large valley between the eastern edge
of the Iranian plateau and the Indus Valley, near the eastern end of the Khyber Pass,
Renowned in Persian as "City on the Frontier", Peshawar's strategic location on the
crossroads of Central Asia and South Asia has made it one of the most culturally vibrant
and lively cities in the greater region.
1.01 Urbanization trends and increasing demand
The urban population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is increasing at a very fast pace,
due to many push and pull factors. The Afghan influx in KPK, the law and order situation
coupled with natural calamities like floods and earthquakes pushing people out from
FATA, Malakand etc. The pull of safety and security, education and health facilities,
better business and employment opportunities, all have their attraction, bringing more
people to the cities and increasing the population.

Increasing population is not a thing to worry about, only if the transition is

managed properly and the systems are strengthened and planned. But that is indeed
not the case, as the cities are witnessing unregulated unplanned growth, with no master
plans to guide the growth and channel the resources to lead to enhanced incomes and
to manage urbanization. All of it has led to the collapse of services and development of
slums.
The Urban proportion of the population of Pakistan is projected to increase from
30% to 50% in next fifteen years. Hence the Urban areas will see major growth, for
which we have to plan now.
1.02

Need for special focus on Transportation

One of the major sectors that make a city function efficiently and effectively is the
transport sector. Connectivity is the Key, as they say for spurring development and
growth. But the transportation sector is an ignored domain as yet, and beset with many
problems. Systems are not keeping pace with the demand.
Increasing population results in increasing travel demands, which need to be
managed through adequate planning and resource allocations. Prevailing transport
systems are inadequate and with limited capacity, and hence need serious upgrade,
making it imperative that we provide new solutions, which include Mass Transit.
Traffic problem is undoubtedly one of the biggest problems the Peshawarites
face on daily basis. The existing road networks in Peshawar have become seriously
inadequate to the needs. Traffic management is weak, we have less space for
expansion and widening of roads, the drivers are undisciplined, hence making our roads
congested and unsafe. Also the dust and smoke on our roads is not at all healthy. The
number of cars and car usage has increased at a rate higher than the population,
leading to congestion and traffic jams. The urban growth has been along roads (ribbon
development), which has led to congestion.
The public transport system is an ignored domain, with the Government
Transport Service (GTS) privatized in the last decade. The transport system is in private
hands, with substandard services, dehumanizing veneer, low safety and not at all
sufficient to the needs and requirements. Buses, wagons and rickshaws travel in mix
traffic and there are No bus priority lanes. Bus stops are also not properly designed.
In the present sustainable urban models, where we have rising fuel prices and
constricted city space, public transport is accorded a high priority, because it is a
sustainable mode of travel for high density areas. It is a more effective and efficient way
of moving people in urban areas, especially when direct costs and externalities are all

considered. Public transport can make more efficient use of space and energy, and be
more cost effective than private cars. It also provides mobility for a wider range of
people, from all social strata and all age groups.
The current Provincial Government has realized the important role of Public
transport system in improving the city environment, and raising its social and economic
conditions. The provision of fast, reliable and cost effective public transport (Mass
Transit) is the only way to deal with the traffic problems and give an impetus to the city
economy. Improved transport system can spur economic growth and development, by
providing easy movement of people which generates economic activity and hence direct
and indirect employment, leading to reduction in poverty.
Khyber Pakhtunkhawa Government is therefore keen to investigate all options for
Mass Transit systems, which should have the following, features:
a) A mass transit system (MTS) that facilitates and encourages high density
commercial and residential development, and leads to containment of urban
sprawl;
b) Minimize duplication / overlapping of public transport on formal & informal routes;
c) Maximize ridership and ensures integration with other transport modes, and is in
line with land use, and caters to activity centers (Transport Oriented
Development);
d) High level of service in terms of speed, safety, frequency and accessibility
(geographical and financial), which reduces dependence on other forms of
transport (buses, cars, rickshaws and motorcycles etc.);
e) Safe, secure, reliable, comfortable, and environmentally sustainable transport
system; which meets the needs and aspirations of the Peshawar community;
2.0

OBJECTIVES

The main aim would be to prepare an international standard study that can reflect on
the feasibility of implementing Mass Transit System (MTS) in Peshawar in an integrated
way. This should also serve as a guide for the investors, and help them decide whether
to take up this project or not. Specifically the study should carry out the following tasks,
in line with the best international practices:

I.

Review previous work and develop the concept for mass transit, most
appropriate and best suited to the city of Peshawar transportation requirements;

II.

Identify potential corridors that need and demand MTS;

III.

Prepare travel demand forecasts and provide estimates of revenues under a

range of fare structure;

IV.

Propose the most suitable and economical horizontal and vertical alignment for
MTS;

V.

Propose the appropriate MTS, rolling stock and technology, which takes into
account the need and affordability;

VI.

Define the system performance requirements;

VII.

Determine the economic viability of the project and the pre requisites and other
inputs necessary to ensure viability;

VIII.

Determine the financial structures and risks associated with the project;

IX.

Identify externalities and other factors that may impact on the project environmental, social and developmental;

X.

Suggest regulatory regime for the implementation and operation of MTS;

XI.

The management structures required to operate and maintain such a system,

with details of costs and technical inputs;

XII.

Propose the appropriate financing requirements and possible sources available

for implementation of the project;

XIII.

Prepare an action plan comprising of the key steps to successful and timely
financing and implementation of the project

3.0

SCOPE OF WORK

The consultant will be required to perform the services listed in the following
sections.

3.01

Review of previous work

The consultant will review the best models of MTS operating in developed and
developing countries. Moreover, they will evaluate and compare the technology being
used. The consultant will review the applicability of the conclusions from previous
works, in the context of Peshawar, which will involve reviewing affordability, travel
patterns, previous route alignment and main interchanges, and integration requirements
with road-based public and private transport.
3.02

Patronage and Revenue Forecast Studies

This will involve identifying the major corridors that demand mass transit service. To
this end, a comprehensive analysis of travel patterns will be required, which should
consider and take into account the following aspects:
I.

Analysis of existing and future conceptual land use patterns and impact on travel
demand forecast;

II.

Review of existing traffic conditions in Peshawar along the major corridors, and the
likely and projected changes in the future;

III.

Review of existing bus route networks;

IV.

Passenger surveys in order to establish travel demand;

V.

Identification of major passenger flows between various hubs of activities (Origin

destination etc);

VI.

Development and calibration of a travel demand model using appropriate software;

VII.

Forecast of future travel growth, which best reflects the likely changes in socioeconomic factors;

VIII.

Preparation of patronage forecast for alternative fare scenarios for the opening year
( say 2015), and for future years;

IX.

Assessment of sensitivity of forecasts to key input assumptions;

X.

Validation of the scale of the forecasts against existing comparable MRT in

comparable cities around the world;

XI.

Preparation of fare-box revenue estimates for all years

XII.

Collection of available data and new surveys to generate mandatory inputs.

3.03

Technical and Operational Studies

These studies will focus upon assessing technical and operational feasibility and
preliminary design; leading to financial cost analysis; and develop bid documents. The
following activities will be included:
I.

Collect available data on topographic and geo-technical features for the identified
corridors;

II.

Identification of best mode of transport, with option of mode mixing (Bus Rapid
Transit, Rail, Mono rail etc)

III.

Determine the required performance and characteristics of the system including;

operational performance in terms of comfort, operating speed, system capacity,
track structure/gauge, length of routes, number of stations, frequency of service
(peak hours), rolling stock / buses requirements, traction system, signaling
system, fare collection system, traffic management system, etc;

IV.

Design preliminary route plan based on travel demand pattern/ passenger loads;

V.

Develop preliminary technical drawings (Scale 1:5000) of horizontal and (Scale

1:200) vertical alignments;

VI.

Develop the preliminary design of stations/stops, interchanges, depots,

maintenance facilities and power generation plant;

VII.

Prepare complete cost estimates of the project;

VIII.

Develop phasing plan for step wise implementation, regarding phase wise
development of different routes and different modes of transport; with integration
plans for multi modal system, including Pedestrian corridors;

IX.

Prepare operating cost estimates for operations, maintenance, administration

and an estimate of asset replacement costs.

3.04

Economic, Financial and Environmental Feasibility Studies

The consultant will evaluate the economic, financial and environmental aspects
of the mass transit project, and give its recommendations. The major trade-offs (e.g.
between efficiency and environment) should be identified for consideration and decision
by the client. The following activities will be undertaken:
I.

Economic appraisal of the project, including the robustness of the performance

parameters. The impact of the following sources of risk should be assessed:
a. Cost overruns
b. Implementation time overruns
c. Revenue shortfall
d. Economic risks demanding government financial support

II.
III.

Assessment of the social, environmental and development impacts

Summary of investment costs (construction, rolling stock, power supply, signaling
telecommunication, control station/depot equipments and safety measures)
Determine the project financial structure (given its fares and ancillary revenues,
capital operating and asset replacement cost)
Determine the project IRR
Computation of economic benefits (time savings, cost saving accruing out of zero
green house gas emission) and estimation of economic benefits in terms of EIRR
etc.
Assessment of environmental impacts such as severance, reduction in pollution
and other issues;
Establish the prospects for such a project being financially viable in the
foreseeable future and the associated risks including consideration of experience
elsewhere

IV.
V.
VI.

VII.
VIII.

3.05

Implementation Implications

The consultant will be required to clearly workout the proposals for the
implementation of MTS in a phased programmed. In this regard the consultant will
advise on the possible funding possibilities and resources for the financing of the
project. The consultant will analyze the pros and cons of each funding mechanism and
prepare bid documents for the most appropriate arrangement for financing of the
project.

3.06

Regulatory Regime for Mass Transit System

An autonomous regulatory institution provides the desired comfort to the private

sector investors. Its credibility is dependent on the transparency as well as defined and
clearly stated procedures. Fairness and impartiality have to be at the centre place of all
functions of the regulatory institution. The consultant will analyze the present
institutional arrangements and legal framework and identify institutional/regulatory
options for implementation and operation of MTS. While analyzing strengths and
weaknesses of each option the consultant will propose the best regulatory option for
sustainable operation of MTS under the administrative control of Transport Department.
3.07

Roadmap for the Next 20 Years

In the light of the results of the study, the consultant will provide a complete
roadmap of the proposed actions to be taken by the regulatory regime over the next 20
years to implement the MTS. This will be developed into an Action Plan, defining the
key institutional; project preparatory, procurement, funding etc steps that are required.
The consultant will also develop an action plan for stepwise improvement of bus feeder
services essential for successful operation and planning to safeguard the right of ways
of different corridors of MTS.
4.0

DURATION OF STUDY

The study should substantially be completed in a maximum period of Eight (6)

months from the date of award of contract
5.0

SELECTION OF CONSULTANTS

The selection of consultant would be done as per guidelines for the selection of
consultants issued by Planning and Development Department, Government of the
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
6.0

QUALIFICATION OF CONSULTANTS

The consultant should be a reputable and experienced organisation, with a

demonstrated experience of conducting similar studies in other cities. In the proposal
the consultant shall provide brief descriptions of the similar projects carried out in the
last five years, indicating those aspects of the projects that are relevant to the work
being proposed.
It shall also indicate that the team, which should comprise of highly qualified
experts having at least ten years of professional experience in the sector.

6.01

CONSULTANTS TEAM;
The areas of expertise required are, but not limited to the following;

public transport planning and analysis,

transport economics and financial analysis,
Mass Transit alignment engineering,
E&M systems engineering and operation and procurement.
The team must include a senior public transport planner with extensive
experience of dealing with transport issues in Peshawar.
Finance and forecasting

The experts must possess a degree in the relevant specialization and ten years
post qualification experience in the relevant discipline. The consultant firm shall give
undertaking to engage the same team, which has been mentioned in the bid. Any
change in the team has to be limited to 25% of the proposed team, and such a change
will need prior approval from the client.
7.0

DELIVERABLES

The consultant will be required to submit final and complete text of report, subject
to approval of the client, encompassing results of the study as specified in the 'Scope of
Work'. A soft copy of the final report shall also be provided on Compact Disks (CDs),
using mutually agreed versions of MS Office or any other Software. The report shall be,
at a minimum, similar in quality and standard to those produced by international
organizations/Government of Pakistan.
The client will sponsor dissemination workshop of the project stakeholders,
including policy makers, representatives of public and private sector transport business.
The consultants will arrange the workshop and present the results therein.
Schedule of deliverables will be as follows.
a) Inception Report: Within 30days of start of the study, the consultant will submit
inception report containing detailed methodology, work plan and confirmation of
availability of professionals proposed in the technical proposals for conducting the
study.
b) First Draft: Within six months of the award of contract, the consultant will submit four
copies of the draft report to the client. The client will return the draft with comments, if
any, within 5 days of the submittal of the draft.

c) Dissemination Workshop: The consultant will arrange and present the results and
recommendations of the study in a dissemination workshop of the stakeholders.
d) Final Report: The Consultant will compile the proceedings and recommendations of
the workshop and discuss the same with the client with regard to the final draft report.
Recommendations, if any, should be incorporated in the final report and thereafter ten
(10) copies of the final report and its soft copy shall be submitted to the client.
8.0 STEERING COMMITTEE & WORKING TEAM
For the purpose of overseeing the implementation of this FS assignment, Urban
Policy Unit will establish a Steering Committee (SC) and Working Team (WT) to
collaborate with the FS consultant team. The composition of the SC may be as under:

Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Secretary P&D Department,
Secretary Transport,
Secretary LG&RD,
Commissioner Peshawar,
Administrator Municipal Corporation Peshawar.
Director General, Peshawar Development Authority
Deputy Inspector General Traffic Peshawar
Cantonment Board Peshawar
Representative (technical expert) of Pakistan Railway.
Executive Director, Urban Policy Unit.
Economic coordinator CM secretariat
Public representatives of Peshawar District
Any co-opted member
The steering committee may constitute a working team for day to day
liaison and technical oversight.

The objectives of the Steering Committee and the Working Team are to:
I.

provide guidance and oversight to all activities under the Feasibility Study;

II.

Review and monitor the progress / performance of the activities periodically;

III.

Support the FS consultants with the collection of relevant data and information;

IV.

Suggest ways and means to optimize the project objectives for the benefit of the
stakeholders and participating organizations; and

V.

Liaise with other important actors dealing with other projects and to develop a
coordinated project.

The FS Team Leader will be responsible for scheduling of meetings of the Project
Steering Committee and Working Team..
UPU reserves the right to establish any other reporting mechanisms deemed
necessary to ensure high quality and timely completion of the study.