Rawalpindi Kutchery Chowk Project Cost Reportedly Increased

Authorities have accelerated construction on the underpasses and overhead bridges at Kutchery Chowk, intensifying work to ensure early completion.

Officials increased the project’s estimated cost to Rs. 14.5 billion due to a sharp rise in construction material prices at the start of the year, with the possibility of further escalation. Contractors are now working in three shifts, while Rawalpindi Commissioner Aamir Khattak and Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema are directly monitoring progress on a daily basis.

The project spans around 2.5 kilometers and includes reconstruction and renovation of surrounding facilities. Authorities are restoring infrastructure linked to Fatima Jinnah Women University, the Income Tax Office, Civil Defence offices, municipal buildings, Kachehri Mosque, lawyers’ chambers, nearby residential areas, and schools.

Officials have set January 31 as the target to complete this ancillary work. Construction teams have completed reinforced concrete flooring for the underpass and erected pillars for the overhead bridges. Workers have finished drilling activities and removed heavy machinery from the site. Shuttering and lintel work has entered its final phase.

From February 1, authorities will partially open motorcycle lanes near Kutchery Chowk to ease traffic pressure. Officials plan to start finishing work immediately after Eidul Fitr.

Kutchery Chowk currently handles more than 200,000 vehicles and motorcycles daily. Once operational, the project will remove traffic signals at the junction to improve traffic flow.