Latest news with #FWO
Business Recorder
9 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Lyari Expressway-III
Policy recommendations: The NHA should prioritize implementing digital toll collection systems similar to FWO's M-Tag technology. This would address commuter concerns about delays while potentially improving revenue collection efficiency. The initial investment in digital infrastructure could be offset by operational savings and improved user satisfaction. A phased implementation approach could begin with dedicated lanes for digital payments, gradually expanding as adoption increases. This would allow system testing while maintaining current operations during the transition period. Transparency in toll utilisation would also strengthen public confidence. Lyari Expressway-II Regular reporting on how toll revenues translate into infrastructure improvements would provide accountability and justify future rate adjustments. Alternative management models: Should the NHA find digital modernization challenging within current operational frameworks, exploring alternative management models merits consideration. The FWO's demonstrated competence in highway management and digital systems implementation suggests potential benefits from management transfer or partnership arrangements. Provincial involvement through the Sindh government could provide additional oversight and ensure alignment with local business community needs. Lyari Expressway-I Regional authorities often demonstrate greater responsiveness to local stakeholder concerns than federal agencies. Public-private partnerships might also offer solutions, bringing private sector efficiency to public infrastructure management while maintaining public ownership and oversight. Farooq Mustafa Chaudhry (Karachi) Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
14-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Multibillion-rupee road projects near completion
Construction on two key road infrastructure projects worth over Rs6.5 billion in Rawalpindi is 80 per cent complete. The projects include the Nawaz Sharif Flyover at Khawaja Corporation Chowk and the Mal Road underpasses at TM Chowk and Mall Plaza Chowk. According to officials, the completion of these projects is crucial to improving traffic flow in the city, with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz setting a deadline of May 31 for their full completion. Efforts are underway to ensure that both projects are finished and opened to traffic by the given deadline. The Communication and Works (C\&W) Department is overseeing the construction of the Nawaz Sharif Flyover at Khawaja Corporation Chowk on Adiala Road, which is valued at Rs2.3 billion. The road infrastructure upgrade, being carried out by the FWO contractor firm under the consultancy of Nespak, has reached 80 per cent completion. Similarly, the Mal Road underpasses project, worth Rs4.39 billion, involves the construction of underpasses at TM Chowk and Mall Plaza Chowk to eliminate traffic signals, as well as the construction of an underground pedestrian walkway near the Medicine Market. Both projects are expected to ease traffic congestion in Rawalpindi, and work continues day and night to meet the May 31 deadline. Additionally, the C&W department is planning the construction of flyovers and underpasses at Kacheri Chowk, Qasim Market Chowk, and Chairing Cross Chowk, which will further streamline traffic along Mal Road and Peshawar Road. Once completed, these projects will create a signal-free route from Kacheri Chowk to the motorway junction.
Express Tribune
04-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Mall Road upgrade project kicks off
The Cantonment Board Rawalpindi has mounted a huge clock at Telegraph Chowk, Mall Road. Photo: AGHA MAHROZ/EXPRESS Authorities have launched an infrastructure upgrade on Rawalpindi's Mall Road, aiming to make key intersections signal-free and improve traffic flow. Work has officially begun with the closure of Mall Road for traffic at TM Chowk, Mall Plaza Chowk, and Five Star Hotel Chowk. The project involves the construction of a fish-belly U-turn and an underpass pedestrian walkway between Medicine Market and AFIC. The Communication and Works Department (C&W), the executing agency, has assigned the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) a completion deadline of three to four months. Additionally, plans are underway to include the construction of an underpass at the highly congested Qasim Market Chowk in Punjab's Annual Development Program (ADP). The Punjab government has allocated Rs4.38 billion for the Mall Road Infrastructure Upgradation Project. The project is being overseen by NESPAK Private Limited as a consultant, with the FWO handling construction. To ensure swift completion, authorities have decided to continue work round the clock. Once completed, the project will eliminate three traffic signalsat Five Star Hotel Chowk, TM Chowk, and Mall Plaza Chowkimproving traffic flow. However, four key signals at MH Chowk, Qasim Market Chowk, Racecourse Chowk, and Charing Cross Chowk will remain operational, with Qasim Market Chowk expected to face the heaviest congestion. To address this, an underpass at Qasim Market Chowk has been proposed for the next fiscal year's ADP. A senior C&W official confirmed the proposal's inclusion. Due to ongoing construction, traffic from Peshawar Road has been rerouted through Qasim Market Chowk to Kacheri Chowk. Additional diversions have been put in place at MH Chowk. The Punjab government has already released the first instalment of Rs200 million for the project, with the remaining funds to be disbursed in phases. Currently, eight traffic signals are operational between Kacheri Chowk and Charing Cross on Mall Road, causing severe congestion. The planned removal of three of these signals is expected to ease some of the burden, though Qasim Market Chowk is projected to experience higher congestion until its underpass is completed. Rawalpindi's Mall Road is one of the busiest routes, catering to traffic from multiple entry points, including Saddar, Murree Road, Railway Station, RA Bazaar, Tench Bhatta, Abid Majeed Road, Range Road, Westridge-III, Chohar Misyari Road, and Kacheri Chowk. The excessive traffic load, combined with an overburdened signal system, often results in long queues, with drivers frequently running red lights out of frustration. Authorities hope the project will provide long-term relief to the city's growing traffic woes, though challenges remain, particularly at Qasim Market Chowk.
Express Tribune
10-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
WATCH: National Stadium Karachi set for grand inauguration tomorrow
Listen to article The newly-renovated National Bank Stadium in Karachi will be inaugurated tomorrow evening with a vibrant ceremony, including fireworks and a light show. President Asif Ali Zardari will serve as the chief guest at the upcoming event, with free entry for the public. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced that the stadium's reconstruction, which began on September 28, 2024, was completed on January 31, 2025. The renovation involved the complete demolition and rebuilding of the pavilion building, along with the installation of new seats in all enclosures. Famous singers Ali Zafar, Shafqat Amanat Ali, and Sahir Ali Bagga will mesmerise the audience with their performances. A spectacular fireworks and light show will follow, and the public will be allowed free entry. The pavilion building was completely demolished and rebuilt, while new seats have been installed in every enclosure. Naqvi added that new LED lights, modern scoreboard screens, and grills have been installed. Additionally, barriers have been removed to provide better views for the cricket fans. All hospitality boxes have been renovated, and a new colour-coded road and pedestrian bridge have been constructed. Chairman Naqvi praised the hard work of the labourers who contributed to the renovation of the stadium. He acknowledged the efforts of the FWO, NESPAK, contractors, and the PCB team for their dedication to the project. Naqvi concluded by stating that world-class facilities have been added for both the players and the spectators, ensuring the best experience for the teams during the Champions Trophy. Few days ago, in a significant moment just days before the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially inaugurated the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium on Friday, marking a new era in the iconic venue's 65-year history. The evening featured performances by renowned singers Ali Zafar, Arif Lohar, and Aima Baig, followed by a spectacular drum performance and a dazzling fireworks display. A stunning light show will further elevate the grandeur of the event. During his speech, PM Shehbaz expressed immense joy over the successful and remarkable completion of the renovation of Gaddafi Stadium while acknowledging the efforts of the entire team involved, including the contractors and workers, under the supervision of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who made this possible. He also credited Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for providing invaluable support in the renovation process, thanking both him and the Punjab government for their contributions.
