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Express Tribune
08-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
CM unveils 'game-changer' projects
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the Nawaz Sharif Flyover on Adiala Road and the GPO Underpass on Mall Road in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, marking the completion of two major infrastructure projects aimed at improving traffic flow in the city. During the inauguration ceremony, CM Maryam announced plans to launch clean drinking water projects across Punjab, including South Punjab and the Potohar region. She highlighted the swift development pace, noting that roads left neglected for 30 years are now being built in record time. The two mega projects, completed at a cost of Rs8.77 billion, were opened to traffic following the inauguration. The Nawaz Sharif Flyover connects Katchehry Chowk to GT Road, the Rawalpindi Ring Road, and Chakri Interchange, significantly reducing travel time by over an hour and saving commuters millions in fuel costs. Service roads have also been constructed on both sides of the flyover, spanning two kilometres. The GPO Underpass, located on Mall Road, is part of a signal-free corridor from GPO Chowk to TM Chowk and will facilitate over 200,000 vehicles daily. The project includes a modern intelligent signal system and a pedestrian underpass near AFIC for public convenience. The underpass also improves connectivity to Kashmir Road and the National Highway (N-5), benefiting patients traveling to CMH, MH, and AFIC hospitals. Residents warmly welcomed the chief minister with flower petals and slogans during her visit. CM Maryam acknowledged the support and briefings provided by Provincial Minister for Communication and Works Malik Sohaib Bharth and Secretary Sohail Ashraf. She shared that 51 of 67 road development projects in Rawalpindi, covering 607 km, have already been completed. Speaking at the ceremony, CM Maryam said these projects are "game-changers" for the people of Rawalpindi and reaffirmed her commitment to public welfare through improved infrastructure. She also announced the remodelling of Katchehry Road and Mall Road. The chief minister revealed plans to lay new pipelines for drinking water and address Murree's water supply issue. She further announced the preparation of a major project for the construction and expansion of Nullah Leh and pledged to complete the Rawalpindi Ring Road in record time. CM Maryam said that re-vamping of all schools in Rawalpindi is underway and near completion. She is personally monitoring city beautification projects and emphasised the need for visible improvements at Punjab's borders, pointing out the difference in cleanliness and infrastructure once entering neighbouring regions. Under the 'Clean Punjab Project,' she said sanitation efforts are being strengthened across the province. Over 12,000 kilometres of roads have been built or repaired, and 1,250 basic health units have been revamped into mini hospitals. Mall Road underpasses revamped Construction and beautification work on both underpasses along Saddar Mall Road has been completed. The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has now launched the horticulture phase, including planting on central medians, green belts, and Metro pillars along Murree Road. Following the completion of carpeting and painting work at TM Chowk and Mall Plaza Chowk underpasses, Mall Road now offers a uniquely scenic view. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is expected to inaugurate the project soon.
Express Tribune
25-06-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Downpour debunks drainage promises
The road has become sloppy, with several inches of it submerged in layers of sewage. PHOTO: EXPRESS The second spell of heavy pre-monsoon rain on Wednesday exposed the hollow claims of the Rawalpindi Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Rawalpindi Solid Waste Management Company (RWMC), Cantonment boards, and Rawalpindi District Council about the cleaning of Nullah Leh and 15 stormwater drains. Despite the reported expenditure of Rs140 million on desilting efforts, waterlogged streets and flooded commercial and residential areas painted a different picture. Streets and markets were submerged under up to three feet of water, causing severe damage to homes and shops. Citizens reported millions in losses as water entered buildings. WASA officials were visible only at Committee Chowk underpass, while no senior official from any agencyincluding the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, DG RDA, MD WASA, or District Council Administratorwas seen in affected low-lying areas. Rainwater and sewage remained stagnant for 4 to 6 hours, leaving a trail of mud, hospital waste, dead rodents, garbage, and fruit peels once the water receded. No personnel from the Solid Waste Management Company's 'Clean Punjab Project' were seen in the affected neighbourhoods on Wednesday. Streets turned muddy and impassable, raising health concerns. Residents in areas like Javed Colony and Nadeem Colony described how water entered their homes within three hours of rainfall starting at dawn. They were left to manually drain water using buckets. Even parked vehicles, including loaders and rickshaws, were inundated with two feet of water and had to be push-started after hours. Leaking ceilings in court buildings and on the Metro Bus track further indicated infrastructure vulnerabilities. Residents demanded an audit of the Rs. 140 million spent on cleaning Nullah Leh and storm drains, questioning why such devastating flooding occurred if the work had indeed been completed. In many inner-city areas, residents have begun temporary evacuations. Among the worst-hit locations were Nadim Colony, Javed Colony, Fazalabad, Arya Mohalla, Dhok Elahi Bakhsh, Dhok Khaba, Amarpura, Qasimabad, Mohanpura, Pirwadhai, and several neighbourhoods around Dhok Hassu, Dhok Ratta, and People's Colony. Commercial hubs like Bohar Bazaar, Lal Haveli, Moti Bazaar, and Shalley Valley also remained submerged for over three hours.
