ISLAMABAD: The National Highway Authority (NHA) has proposed renaming the busy T-Chowk at the junction of the G.T. Road and Islamabad Expressway as Potohar Chowk, arguing that the current title has no relevance and that the area represents the cultural heart of the Potohar region.
In a letter recently shared with the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the NHA stated that it had completed the uplift of G.T. Road (N-5) from T-Chowk to Lalazar and designated the stretch as Potohar Avenue for better commuter reference. “The word ‘T’ has no relevance to the place, whereas the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi are the hub of Potohar,” the letter read, adding that renaming the intersection would “enhance its semblance and ease of identification for commuters.”
The CDA, however, has yet to take a decision on the proposal. A senior official told Infra News that the matter would be discussed with the Interior Ministry and the federal government. “We are currently focused on completing the ongoing flyover project at the site. Once it’s finished, we will review the naming issue. One thing is certain, though — the chowk will get a new name,” the official confirmed.
The CDA is presently executing a Rs1.4 billion flyover project at the junction to ease congestion for traffic coming from Lahore towards Islamabad. The 1.1-kilometre, three-lane flyover was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last month, with a completion target of 150 days. Officials said about 52 percent of the work has been completed, and efforts are being made to finish the project by January, ahead of the February deadline.
Once the T-Chowk flyover — or Potohar Chowk flyover — is complete, it will mark the final phase of the Islamabad Expressway’s expansion from Zero Point to the southern edge of the capital. However, commuters continue to face serious difficulties on the service road between Faizabad and Koral, which remains riddled with potholes and rutting. Despite being a vital route for residents of Sohan, Pindorian, Iqbal Town, Khanapul and Ghouri Town, the CDA has yet to take steps for its repair.
