Key infrastructure projects face delays
Two major signal-free road infrastructure projects in Rawalpindi, worth over Rs6.5 billion, have missed their completion deadlines, causing significant inconvenience to residents. These include the Nawaz Sharif Flyover at Khawaja Corporation Chowk on Adiala Road and underpasses on Mall Road at KTM Chowk, Mall Plaza, and the pedestrian underpass at Medicine Market.
While the flyover at Khawaja Corporation Chowk has been completed, carpeting and beautification work remains pending.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had set a deadline of May 31 for its completion, but the project remains unfinished. This project alone costs Rs2.3 billion.
Similarly, the Rs4.38 billion underpasses and pedestrian underpass project on Mall Road, originally set for completion in 45 days, remains incomplete even after 100 days. As a result, access to key locations including hospitals, the Mega Medicine Market, PIA, State Life, and Cantonment offices has been disrupted.
Zahid Bakhtawari, President of Anjuman Shehriyan Rawalpindi, criticised the delay, sayinag the situation has become unbearable for patients and businesses. Promises made to complete the work in 45 days have not been fulfilled.
PML-N MNA from Cantt, Malik Abrar Ahmed, stated efforts are ongoing to prevent further delays. He emphasized that in high-level meetings, authorities have been directed to speed up the work. If both projects are completed within the next 15 days, a joint inauguration could be held, pending the Chief Minister's schedule. While C\&W Department officials had earlier confirmed the May 31 deadline, they are now unwilling to comment on the delay.
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