Open for traffic: Mufti Mehmood Flyover finally inaugurated

CM and other ministers the first to travel along the bridge

PESHAWAR: The eagerly-awaited Mufti Mahmood Flyover was finally opened for traffic on Monday afternoon.

Considered by many to be the answer to traffic jams in the provincial capital, it was inaugurated by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak. He crossed the 3.5 kilometre-long bridge in his car along with other ministers and government officials.

The total cost of the project was Rs1,768.427 million of which Rs1,348.746 million was spent in building the flyover itself. Work was initiated by M/s D Baloch Construction and Skyways Construction companies in 2011 and both the firms completed 70% of the construction.

However, due to certain delays, authorities canceled their tender and later awarded it to Karkun Construction Company. The latter completed the remaining job in six months. For the opening, the flyover was decorated with the flags of Islamic countries which were hoisted on light poles.



Speaking on the occasion, Khattak admitted that the flyover was delayed, but blamed the previous government for not setting a proper timeframe with the previous construction companies. He said the current government was thus forced to cancel those contracts and start anew.

"We have recovered Rs200 million from the previous contractors and from now the government will issue a timeframe to ensure that all flyovers are completed within a year,” he said. The CM added the flyover poses no danger to the K-P Assembly, Peshawar High Court or Central Jail; all of which are nearby.

A fence will be constructed on the sides of the flyover for the safety of these buildings, he said. Khattak added the flyover will help minimise traffic congestion on Khyber and Jail roads.

Senior Minister Inayatullah Khan, other ministers, MPAs and Adviser to Chief Minister on Environment Ishtiaq Urmar were present. Also there to witness the opening were Peshawar Development Authority Director General Khushal Khan, Secretary Irrigation Muhammad Naeem, Project Director Ameenuddin and other officials concerned with the flyover.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 14^th, 2015.