Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday inaugurated the construction of the long-awaited T-Chowk Flyover at Rawat.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also given the green light for the launch of a railcar project that will connect Rawalpindi and Islamabad, a move intended to make daily travel easier for thousands of commuters and strengthening connectivity between the two twin cities.
The declaration arrived shortly after the prime minister performed the groundbreaking of the T-Chowk Flyover Project, a major development along the Islamabad Expressway. Speaking at the event, PM Shehbaz said the new railcar project would serve as an affordable and efficient transport system for residents and visitors alike.
He emphasized that the railway track was already available, which would make the project both cost-effective and quick to implement. “This is not just a project for the twin cities but also for adjoining areas. It will not only reduce travel difficulties for locals but also attract tourists who visit the capital,” he remarked. He assured the federal government’s full support and directed that construction should begin immediately without unnecessary delays.
Read more: Groundbreaking of T-Chowk flyover, Shaheen Chowk underpass scheduled for early September
The T-Chowk Flyover, costing Rs 1.4 billion, is expected to be completed within 150 days. Once functional, it will benefit nearly 25,000 vehicles daily out of the 100,000 that pass through the busy intersection on G.T. Road — the main entry point into Islamabad.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who accompanied the prime minister, praised the Capital Development Authority (CDA) team for completing widening of the expressway and stressed that the new flyover would further improve traffic flow. He added that no new land acquisition was required, ensuring faster progress on the project.
The CDA chairman, Mohammad Ali Randhawa, has given a briefing to the prime minister on details, explaining that the project is being executed by a joint venture of Habib Construction Services and ZKB. He also mentioned plans for another upcoming development at Shaheen Chowk to further improve road connectivity.
Officials highlighted that with Islamabad set to host the next Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, these projects are considered part of preparations to improve the infrastructure and outlook of Islamabad. Landscaping efforts are also on going, with support from Tajik horticulture professionals who have planted around 300,000 flower saplings all over the city.
Together, the railcar initiative and the flyover are being considered as game-changing ways forward to address Islamabad and Rawalpindi’s traffic blockage while giving a modern touch to urban transport for the future.