Pindi to get Rs150b infrastructure boost
The initiative, aligned with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's vision of a modern Punjab, includes the construction of underpasses, flyovers, and road expansions across key intersections. Once completed, the corridor will provide uninterrupted travel from T-Chowk on GT Road through the cantonment areas, linking Peshawar Road and the motorways on one end, and Islamabad Expressway to Kachehri Chowk on the other.
Engr Raja Qamarul Islam, MNA and Chairman of the District Coordination Committee, stated that Rs29.9 billion worth of new schemes would significantly improve travel flow across Rawalpindi.
Key allocations include: Race Course Underpass – Rs2.6 billion (Rs54 million released), Chairing Cross Underpass – Rs1.5 billion (Rs54 million released), Army Graveyard Chowk Underpass – Rs1.9 billion (Rs68 million released), Kachehri Chowk Flyover & Underpass – Rs4.45 billion (Rs160 million released), Jinnah Park Flyover – Rs4.15 billion (Rs149 million released), Ammar Chowk Flyover – Rs3.45 billion (Rs124 million released), Iftikhar Janjua Road Underpass – Rs1.93 billion (Rs69 million released), COD Chowk Underpass – Rs3.75 billion (Rs135 million released), Tulsa Road Underpass (Adiala) – Rs1.69 billion (Rs61 million released).
Rana Qamar Ali, Executive Engineer of the Highway Department, confirmed that site surveys and interdepartmental coordination have already begun.
He added that six new underpasses are planned along Peshawar Road, while the GPO Underpass and Nawaz Sharif Flyover on Adiala Road are among the initial high-impact projects.
The development drive also includes regional road rehabilitation, such as upgrades from Mahil Malkan to Dhoke Baba Buland in Kallar Syedan and widening roads from Akbar Chowk to Thalian and Marble Factory Road.
Raja Qamarul Islam noted that Murree Road's decongestion through the Metro Bus Project offers a blueprint for success. He emphasized that new flyovers and underpasses will resolve bottlenecks at Kachehri Chowk, Ammar Chowk, and Jinnah Park, improving connectivity to Mall Road, Adiala Road, and beyond.
CM Maryam Nawaz has directed all departments to ensure strict adherence to timelines and quality standards. The plan is expected to significantly boost economic activity by improving access to business districts and reducing logistics costs.
President of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), Usman Shaukat, praised the initiative but stressed the need for pedestrian-friendly, climate-conscious designs. "This should not only ease traffic but also support sustainable urban living," he said.
The Rawalpindi package, if successfully implemented, could serve as a model for similar urban upgrades across Punjab.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
14 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Maryam highlights significance of parliamentary system
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif in her message on the 'International Day of Parliamentarism' said the parliamentary system is the cornerstone of democracy and the real strength of the state. 'Parliament is not just a legislative body, it is a credible institution which ascertains and determines the thinking, wisdom and future direction of the nation,' she said. The Chief Minister said, 'I salute all democratic Parliament Houses including the Punjab Assembly. The Punjab Assembly has set bright examples of the real strength of the federation of Pakistan and constitutional supremacy.' She highlighted, 'The Punjab Assembly is being equipped in line with modern democratic requirements.' She vowed, 'Parliamentary traditions will be promoted in the light of democratic thoughts of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah (RA).' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
18 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Three ecotourism projects planned
The Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department has initiated an ecotourism development programme at Changa Manga, Uchali Lake and Chashma Wetlands. The initiative, part of an Annual Development Programme (ADP) scheme funded by the provincial government, aims to establish environmentally responsible infrastructure that promotes nature-based tourism, wildlife conservation, and community engagement. According to official documents, the department has invited applications for pre-qualification from eligible contractors to undertake the development work. Firms licensed with the Pakistan Engineering Council and holding specific technical certifications are eligible to apply. Foreign companies may participate only in joint ventures with Pakistani firms. A mandatory requirement for all bidders is the engagement of an International ecotourism development specialist, who must remain involved throughout the project. Applicants are also required to demonstrate significant technical and financial credentials, including prior experience in large-scale infrastructure development, thematic recreational facilities such as safari parks or zoological gardens, and electrification works. The firms must show an average annual turnover of Rs4.5 billion over the last three years and have access to at least Rs3 billion in working capital or credit facilities. Companies engaged in the supply of wildlife must hold valid certifications from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the climate change ministry. This initiative designed in line with Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria marks the province's first structured push to blend conservation with tourism. Officials from the forests, wildlife and fisheries department emphasised that the sites had been chosen for their ecological importance.
Express Tribune
18 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Pindi to get Rs150b infrastructure boost
The Punjab government has approved a record-breaking Rs150 billion development package for Rawalpindi under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2025-26the largest investment in the city's history. Aimed at resolving chronic traffic congestion, 13 major infrastructure projects will be executed by the Highway Division Rawalpindi to transform the city into a signal-free corridor. The initiative, aligned with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's vision of a modern Punjab, includes the construction of underpasses, flyovers, and road expansions across key intersections. Once completed, the corridor will provide uninterrupted travel from T-Chowk on GT Road through the cantonment areas, linking Peshawar Road and the motorways on one end, and Islamabad Expressway to Kachehri Chowk on the other. Engr Raja Qamarul Islam, MNA and Chairman of the District Coordination Committee, stated that Rs29.9 billion worth of new schemes would significantly improve travel flow across Rawalpindi. Key allocations include: Race Course Underpass – Rs2.6 billion (Rs54 million released), Chairing Cross Underpass – Rs1.5 billion (Rs54 million released), Army Graveyard Chowk Underpass – Rs1.9 billion (Rs68 million released), Kachehri Chowk Flyover & Underpass – Rs4.45 billion (Rs160 million released), Jinnah Park Flyover – Rs4.15 billion (Rs149 million released), Ammar Chowk Flyover – Rs3.45 billion (Rs124 million released), Iftikhar Janjua Road Underpass – Rs1.93 billion (Rs69 million released), COD Chowk Underpass – Rs3.75 billion (Rs135 million released), Tulsa Road Underpass (Adiala) – Rs1.69 billion (Rs61 million released). Rana Qamar Ali, Executive Engineer of the Highway Department, confirmed that site surveys and interdepartmental coordination have already begun. He added that six new underpasses are planned along Peshawar Road, while the GPO Underpass and Nawaz Sharif Flyover on Adiala Road are among the initial high-impact projects. The development drive also includes regional road rehabilitation, such as upgrades from Mahil Malkan to Dhoke Baba Buland in Kallar Syedan and widening roads from Akbar Chowk to Thalian and Marble Factory Road. Raja Qamarul Islam noted that Murree Road's decongestion through the Metro Bus Project offers a blueprint for success. He emphasized that new flyovers and underpasses will resolve bottlenecks at Kachehri Chowk, Ammar Chowk, and Jinnah Park, improving connectivity to Mall Road, Adiala Road, and beyond. CM Maryam Nawaz has directed all departments to ensure strict adherence to timelines and quality standards. The plan is expected to significantly boost economic activity by improving access to business districts and reducing logistics costs. President of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), Usman Shaukat, praised the initiative but stressed the need for pedestrian-friendly, climate-conscious designs. "This should not only ease traffic but also support sustainable urban living," he said. The Rawalpindi package, if successfully implemented, could serve as a model for similar urban upgrades across Punjab.
