Nespak inspects Kachehri flyover, Peshawar Road underpasses

RAWALPINDI, Mar 08 (APP):The Kachehri Chowk remodelling project has reached around 70% completion, while authorities have finalized the design of three new underpasses on Peshawar Road to improve traffic flow on one of Rawalpindi’s busiest arteries.

This was briefed during a high level visit comprising officials from National Engineering Services Pakistan (Nespak), along with Project Director FWO Col Akber Khan and Brig (Rtd) Ijaz Qamar Kiyani. The team visited the Kachehri Chowk project and proposed underpass sites to review progress and technical aspects of the schemes.

Led by Project Head PMU Rana Daud, the Nespak team carried out a detailed inspection of the ongoing construction work and reviewed technical components of the Kachehri Chowk project. Officials also assessed the post-completion traffic flow plan to evaluate its impact on easing congestion in the area.

The team reviewed the quality control mechanism and expressed satisfaction over the pace and standard of work. The manoeuvrability of heavy vehicles, particularly the movement of electric buses through U-turns, was also examined and certain design modifications were proposed.

Superintending Engineer Punjab Highways Ashfaq Anwar, along with officials from relevant departments and service providers, was also present during the visit. Officials said effective interdepartmental coordination led by Commissioner Rawalpindi Engr Amir Khattak was helping ensure timely completion of the project.

Meanwhile, work has also started on three underpasses, planned on Peshawar Road at Race Course Park Chowk, Army Graveyard Chowk and Charing Cross to streamline traffic movement. The visibility has been surfaces as major work on shifting high transmission power lines, base works and environmental preservance work have been completed.

Executive Engineer (EXEN) Punjab Highways Rana Qamar Ali told APP that work on the underpasses will formally start on March 28, when the area will be cordoned off and excavation activities will begin.

“Shifting of utilities is nearing completion and the project is expected to be completed by the end of June as per directions of the Chief Minister Punjab”, he said.

Under the construction plan, work will begin on one side of the road while traffic will be diverted to the other side to maintain two-way traffic during the construction phase.

During the visit, the Nespak team also finalized the underpass design, including service roads and U-turn facilities to accommodate future traffic needs.

Project Head Rana Daud expressed satisfaction over the progress so far, saying the project was moving ahead smoothly, including technical investigations and relocation of high-transmission electricity lines.