Kachehri Chowk project cost balloons to Rs15b
Work is in full swing at Kachehri Chowk as authorities accelerate the Rs14.5 billion underpass and overhead bridge project, scheduled for completion by May 31, with structural work nearing its final stages. Photo: Express
Authorities have decided to complete the state-of-the-art underpasses and overhead bridges at Kachehri Chowk ahead of schedule, setting a new completion deadline of May 31.
Due to a sharp rise in construction material prices at the start of the New Year, the total estimated cost of the project has increased to Rs14.5 billion, with projections suggesting it may reach Rs15b within the next three months.
Work on the project has been accelerated and is now being carried out in three shifts. Rawalpindi Commissioner Aamir Khattak and Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema have assumed daily direct oversight of the project.
Spanning approximately 2.5 kilometres, the project also includes the reconstruction and renovation of affected facilities, including Fatima Jinnah Women University, the Income Tax Office, Civil Defence offices, municipal buildings, Kachehri Mosque, lawyers' chambers, nearby residences, and schools, all scheduled for completion by January 31.
Structural work has reached its final stages, with shuttering and lintel work on pillars nearing completion. Reinforced concrete flooring of the underpass has been completed, while pillars for the overhead bridges have been erected. Drilling work has concluded, and heavy machinery has been removed from the site.
From February 1, motorcycle lanes near Kachehri Chowk will be partially opened. Commissioner Aamir Khattak stated that finishing work will commence immediately after Eidul Fitr, and by then, shuttering, lintel work, and underpass flooring will be 100 percent complete.
Kachehri Chowk currently handles over 200,000 vehicles and motorcycles daily, including high-security VVIP movement. Upon completion, traffic signals at the junction and surrounding areas will be eliminated, ensuring smooth flow.
Additionally, construction has begun on a multi-storey commercial parking plaza costing Rs2b, with parking capacity for 3,000 vehicles. Seventy lawyers' chambers were demolished and a mosque was affected during construction; the foundation stone for a new mosque and 70 new chambers has now been laid.