ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORTER
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday laid the foundation stone of the T-Chowk Flyover at the junction of GT Road and Islamabad Expressway in Rawat, declaring the project a major milestone for the residents of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and surrounding areas.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the Prime Minister emphasized that the project would significantly ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity between the twin cities and nearby regions. He said the one-kilometer-long flyover would provide smoother access to the expressway and reduce travel time for commuters.
Federal ministers, Members of Parliament, officials from the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Islamabad administration, and other relevant departments attended the ceremony.
Praising the efforts of the Interior Minister and CDA officials for initiating the project, the Prime Minister said that no compromise would be made on the quality of development projects. He further stated that Islamabad must be beautified in preparation for the SCO Summit, which Pakistan is set to host in 2027. As part of the beautification efforts, Tajikistan has gifted various plant species to enhance the city’s aesthetics, especially along Constitution Avenue.
Highlighting ongoing transportation and infrastructure improvements, the Prime Minister revealed that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi are working on a railcar project to improve urban mobility between Rawalpindi and Islamabad. He also mentioned the introduction of EV (electric vehicle) transport for environmental sustainability, in addition to the existing Metro Bus Service.
The Prime Minister instructed CDA and district administration officials to continue working diligently on projects aimed at enhancing the city’s beauty and ensuring ease of travel for its citizens.
Earlier, PM Shehbaz Sharif unveiled the foundation stone plaque of the flyover. Speaking at the event, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that the T-Chowk Flyover project would be completed within 150 days, stressing that all set targets would be met with the highest construction standards.
According to a briefing presented to the Prime Minister, the flyover will cost Rs. 1.495 billion and will be completed in a short span of 150 days. The Islamabad Expressway is a crucial highway connecting Rawalpindi, Punjab, Azad Kashmir, and GT Road to the federal capital. The T-Chowk junction is currently under heavy traffic pressure and in deteriorated condition, with both light and heavy vehicles passing through.
The CDA, in collaboration with the National Highway Authority (NHA), resolved the “right of way” issue, and on June 5, 2025, NHA issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the project. It is estimated that around 100,000 vehicles pass through the junction daily, and upon completion, the flyover will ease the commute for nearly 41,572 vehicles per day.
Designed by NESPAK, the flyover will be over 1 kilometer in length and 11.30 meters wide, with provisions for street lighting and horticulture to ensure aesthetic appeal alongside functionality.
