Rawalpindi’s Kutchery Chowk project deadline pushed to end of May after cost revision

RAWALPINDI: The deadline for completing the Kutchery Chowk remodelling project in Rawalpindi has been extended from April 30 to the end of May after the project cost was raised from Rs14 billion to Rs19 billion.

A senior official of the Punjab Communication and Works Department told Dawn that the original April 30 target had first been moved to mid-May because several components of the scheme were still unfinished. The official said the structures of two flyovers and three underpasses had already been completed, while roadwork had also been carried out. However, aesthetic work, lighting and drainage remained pending.

According to the official, rain spells in March and the Eid holidays were the main reasons for the delay. He said work was continuing at full pace and would be completed soon, adding that after rainfall it takes three days before work can resume. The official said the contractor, Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), was making efforts to meet the deadline and was working in double shifts, but weather conditions had not been favourable.

Progress reviewed at site visit

Separately, Divisional Commissioner Abdul Aamer Khattak visited the Kutchery Chowk project site along with FWO officials and reviewed the ongoing construction work. During the visit, officials, engineers and contractors from the relevant departments briefed him on the pace of progress.

They informed the commissioner that work on the project was moving ahead rapidly and was being carried out in double shifts. The officials said the overall progress on the project stood at 76 per cent.

They provided a breakdown of the work completed so far, saying physical progress at the main site had reached 74 per cent. Work on the Iftikhar Janjua Underpass was reported at 72 per cent, while progress at Jinnah Park Chowk stood at 71 per cent.

The same briefing said utility ducts were 83 per cent complete, the pedestrian bridge 50 per cent, the sum well 96 per cent and the retaining wall 98 per cent complete.

Directions to departments

Officials said the project had started in November 2025 and was originally scheduled for completion in 18 months, but the work was being carried out at what they described as a record pace in view of public convenience.

During the visit, the commissioner directed the relevant agencies to complete the work within the stipulated timeline. He also instructed the Parks and Horticulture Authority to finish its assigned work on time and in line with quality standards.

In addition, the Highway Department was told to immediately begin work on the elevated crossing project between Jinnah Park and Kutchery Chowk so that residents could get better transport convenience.

The commissioner also appreciated the performance of the Punjab Highway Department and stressed the need for proper signage and effective management of electric lighting in the area to help provide a safe and comfortable environment for the public. Officials said the project was progressing rapidly and being done in double shifts.