RAWALPINDI: The long awaited Katchery Chowk remodelling project is entering its final stretch, with authorities confirming that over 92 percent of construction has been completed and the mega interchange is set to open for traffic by May 31.

Officials from the Punjab Communication and Works Department said the Rs19 billion project will be handed over to the district administration in the last week of May, marking a major milestone in Rawalpindi’s urban traffic management plan. The project is expected to significantly ease congestion at one of the city’s busiest junctions.

Executive Engineer Qamar Ali Saqib said the flyovers and underpasses are structurally complete and finishing work is progressing at full pace. He noted that the contractor, Frontier Works Organisation, has accelerated work through round the clock operations, transforming the project into a benchmark for speed and execution.

He added that supporting infrastructure including a modern pedestrian bridge and an upgraded drainage system is also nearing completion. Meanwhile, landscaping and plantation along green belts have been finalised, with lighting systems already installed to enhance both safety and aesthetics.

The project includes two flyovers and three underpasses designed to handle more than 250000 vehicles daily. A four lane flyover connects The Mall to Rashid Minhas Road, while multiple underpasses provide seamless links between key arteries including Saddar, old Airport Road and Mushtaq Baig Shaheed Road.

Authorities say once opened, the interchange will drastically cut travel time and eliminate bottlenecks in the area. With work on upcoming Peshawar Road underpasses set to accelerate next month, Rawalpindi is moving closer to a modern traffic network built for future demand.