Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority has completed the main structure of the T-Chowk Flyover in just 90 days, finishing the project nearly two months ahead of its scheduled deadline.
The 1.1-kilometre-long flyover, built at a cost of Rs1.4 billion, has been constructed at the intersection of GT Road and the Islamabad Expressway to improve traffic flow for vehicles entering the capital from the Lahore side.
According to the project’s PC-I, construction was originally due to be completed by February 19. However, coordinated efforts by the CDA and the contractor allowed the main work to be completed within three months. The foundation stone for the project was laid by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on September 12.
A CDA official said the flyover is now ready for inauguration, with only minor finishing work remaining. He added that the opening is expected later this week.
Like the ongoing Shaheen Chowk project, the T-Chowk Flyover experienced a cost increase of up to 15 percent. Officials said the additional cost was necessary due to the inclusion of an extra lane at grade level and the construction of U-turns to further ease traffic congestion. They maintained that the increase complied with Public Procurement Regulatory Authority rules, which allow scope expansion of up to 15 percent in ongoing projects when required.
Meanwhile, the Shaheen Chowk underpass is also nearing completion and is expected to be operational later this month. The underpass is being built at the junction of 9th Avenue and Khyaban-i-Iqbal, commonly known as Margalla Road, an area previously known for frequent traffic congestion. The project was launched on October 24 and was initially scheduled for completion in April, but officials said work has progressed at a faster pace. This project also saw a similar cost increase.
While acknowledging that revisions to project scope should ideally be addressed during the design phase, an official source praised the CDA for completing both major infrastructure projects in record time. He said timely execution helped avoid cost escalation and reduced inconvenience for commuters, crediting the prime minister, interior minister, CDA chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa and the authority’s team for the achievement.
