RAWALPINDI: Divisional Commissioner Amir Khattak has announced that the Katchery Chowk remodeling project with an estimated cost of Rs14 billion will be completed by May 31 next year. The project is a key component of the Signal Free Corridor initiative designed to improve traffic flow from Ammar Chowk to Motorway Chowk. He shared these details during a press briefing at the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation offices.
The commissioner said that construction work is progressing at an accelerated pace with teams working in double shifts to meet the revised deadline. Originally planned for completion within eighteen months the project timeline has been shortened to reduce public inconvenience. He assured that while speed has been increased there will be no compromise on construction quality or safety standards.
Officials informed that Rs5.9 billion is being spent on the Katchery Chowk underpass and flyover while Rs3.9 billion has been allocated for the Jinnah Park Annexe Chowk flyover and underpass. Another Rs2.6 billion is being utilised for the Iftikhar Janjua Chowk underpass. The project covers an area of thirty one kanals and aims to remove major traffic bottlenecks in the city.
Commissioner Amir Khattak also announced the construction of a modern parking plaza in Jinnah Park at a cost of Rs1.6 billion. The facility is intended to discourage roadside parking and support smooth traffic movement in surrounding commercial areas. He added that proposals for additional parking plazas in Saddar and Cantonment areas have been forwarded for approval.
Addressing civic issues the commissioner said free burial facilities would soon be available at the Rakh Dhamial graveyard which is expected to become fully operational within three months. He also revealed plans for establishing a medical testing laboratory and said inspections of government hospitals are being carried out daily.
Referring to other major infrastructure schemes he said seventy eight percent work on the Rawalpindi Ring Road project has been completed and the remaining work is expected to finish next year. He expressed confidence that the early completion of the Katchery Chowk project will bring significant relief to commuters and residents alike.
