Signal-free corridor takes shape in Pindi

Nawaz Sharif Flyover from Khawaja Corporation on Adiala Road, along with two underpasses on Mall Road and an underground pedestrian walkway, has entered its final phase of completion. These projects are expected to be inaugurated later this month.

Additionally, the construction of a flyover and underpasses at the busy Kachehri Chowk, as well as underpasses at Qasim Market, Race Course, and Charing Cross, is expected to commence soon — likely during the ongoing summer vacation period of educational institutions, in order to expedite completion.

Having been constructed at a cost of Rs2.3 billion, Nawaz Sharif Flyover at Khawaja Corporation Chowk on Adiala Road is in its final stage. Although the project could not be inaugurated on June 3 as initially planned, it is now expected to be inaugurated by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on June 30.

On the same day, she is also likely to inaugurate two underpasses on Mall Road — at Flashman Hotel Chowk and Mall Plaza Chowk — as well as the underground pedestrian walkway near AFIC. This project is expected to be completed by June 30 as well, with a total cost of Rs4.388b.

Meanwhile, a decision has been made to construct additional underpasses at three of the busiest intersections on Mall Road and Peshawar Road: Qasim Market, Race Course Chowk, and Charing Cross.

The Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) has been instructed to relocate underground utilities — electricity, gas, water supply, and sewerage — from these locations to facilitate construction.

Moreover, a major project involving the remodelling and expansion of Kachehri Chowk has been approved.

This project includes the construction of two flyovers and three underpasses, with an estimated cost of Rs8.5b. The Punjab government has already allocated funds for this project.

Sources say following the completion of the two flyovers and three underpasses at Kachehri Chowk, and with the construction of five underpasses on Mall Road and Peshawar Road, this entire route will effectively become a signal-free corridor up to Motorway Chowk.

It is worth noting that an underpass at Golra Mor has already been completed and is operational. The Punjab government is funding all these infrastructure projects, which are being executed by the provincial Communications and Works (C&W) Department.

Schools get operational boost

The Punjab Education Department has released an amount of Rs464.5 million for the operational expenses of all public schools in the Rawalpindi Division.

An amount of Rs4.58715 billion has been released for the fourth and final quarter of the outgoing fiscal year to cover operational expenses and utility bills for all 43,000 public primary, middle, high, and higher secondary schools across the province.