Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated Islamabad’s Rawal Dam Chowk flyover on Sunday, the one-kilometre track was expected to overcome the traffic jam on the earlier road where around 150,000 vehicles on an average ply per day.

“It is a good sign that work on the flyover was expedited. I hope we should work in the same manner in the country,” the premier said while addressing the ceremony after hearing Capital Development Administration Chairman Amir Ahmed Ali’s briefing on the project and new developments in the federal capital.

The old track was initially built for 20,000 vehicles but with the passage of time, the flow of motors increased to over 100,000, causing difficulties for them.

Salient features of flyover

• CDA in collaboration with FWO completed the project
• Four slip road ready
• Project was completed in 90 to 100 days despite rains
• Other underpasses will be completed in 20-25 days
• It is a flyover that leads to three sides: Chak Shehzad, Serena Chowk, and Faizabad

“If Amir had changed himself earlier, the project would have been completed earlier. But it’s never too late,” he said and called for changing the “fate” of the city.

The CDA chairman said that the remaining underpasses would be completed in 20 to 25 days. He expressed hope that they would complete the project before the deadline.

As many as 20 buses have been added to the Islamabad Metro Bus fleet, bringing the total tally to 50, announced Ahmed. He added that three new mass transit services would be launched in Islamabad: (i) Khanapul to Nilore, (ii) Taramdi Chowk to Aabpara via Park Road, and (iii) Wah Cantt to N-5 Metro Station.

“We are trying to complete the intra-bus service in two months,” Ali said.

The premier advised the CDA chairman to complete the remaining projects before the stipulated time.

“We will accept the delay in completion of Bara Kahu bypass, work on which is expected to start in September, but you [CDA chairman] have to give us a presentation as to how soon you can complete it,” PM Shehbaz said, “my experience says it can be completed in four months and if you are able to do it, Tamgha e Imtiaz is there for you.”