ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday inaugurated the Iqbal Flyover at T-Chowk along with a newly completed signal-free corridor on the Islamabad Expressway, marking the completion of two key infrastructure projects aimed at easing chronic traffic congestion in the federal capital.
The prime minister was briefed that both projects were completed in a record 77 days at a total cost of Rs1.4 billion. Officials said the new facilities have permanently removed a major traffic bottleneck for vehicles entering Islamabad from the GT Road, an area that had remained a persistent source of delays for commuters for years.
The Iqbal Flyover is a critical link at Iqbal Chowk, a major junction connecting Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Authorities said the project is expected to facilitate the daily movement of around 100,000 commuters by eliminating traffic signals and significantly reducing congestion at the intersection.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said traffic jams at T-Chowk had long been a serious issue for motorists. He expressed confidence that the flyover and the signal-free corridor would provide lasting relief to commuters using the Islamabad Expressway on a daily basis.
The interior minister also announced that a service road would be constructed along the expressway to further streamline traffic management and improve access for local traffic. He said the projects were part of Vision 2027, a broader plan aimed at upgrading Islamabad’s infrastructure and improving urban mobility.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated all departments, engineers and workers involved in completing the projects within a tight timeframe. He termed the pace of work exceptional and said it reflected improved coordination among federal and city administrations.
“These projects are vital for the convenience of ordinary citizens,” the prime minister said, adding that providing better travel facilities in major urban centres remained a top priority of the government, as traffic congestion directly affects daily life and economic activity.
Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, accompanied by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, visited the Iqbal Chowk Flyover to review final arrangements ahead of the inauguration.
Officials also highlighted the environmental aspect of the project, stating that around 3,000 plants and trees have been planted in and around the project area to improve the local environment and enhance the visual appeal of the expressway.
With the opening of the Iqbal Flyover and the signal-free corridor, authorities expect a marked improvement in traffic flow on one of Islamabad’s busiest routes, particularly during peak hours, resulting in shorter travel times for commuters between Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
