Two flyovers and three underpasses completed in 187 days to enable signal-free traffic
RAWALPINDI:
The modern Chowk District Courts underpass and flyover project has been formally completed and all inauguration preparations are already finalized ahead of the official inauguration scheduled for Sunday afternoon.
The mega infrastructure development, officially named ‘Marka-e-Haq Square’, comprises two flyovers, three underpasses and two steel pedestrian flyover bridges. The project was reportedly completed in 187 days at an estimated cost of approximately Rs 19 billion.
Construction work on the project began on November 3, 2025. To accelerate progress, construction operations continued in three shifts 24 hours a day, allowing the plan to be completed ahead of schedule.
An inauguration plaque bearing the name of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has already been installed and a full ceremonial rehearsal for the inaugural function has also concluded. Immediately following the inauguration, the interchange is expected to open to uninterrupted, signal-free traffic.
Amid strict confidentiality and limited public visibility, final preparations for the formal inauguration of the Kachehri Chowk flyover have entered their final phase. Development activity continued at an accelerated pace, with extensive landscaping and finishing works carried out across the site.
Large ornamental trees, flowering plants and decorative foliage were transported on heavy trailers and installed around the interchange, while fresh grass was laid along raised corridors, adjoining service roads and surrounding verges.
Testing of the LED lighting and decorative lighting systems was completed overnight. More than 100 healthcare personnel were reportedly deployed on an emergency basis to carry out site cleaning and preparation, while carpeting and final finishing works were also completed.
CM Maryam is expected to attend the inauguration as the chief guest. Aamir Khattak and Hassan Waqar Cheema will host the ceremony. Official invitations have been sent and general safety guidelines have also been finalized.
The Kachehri Chowk development is described as one of the most sophisticated urban infrastructure projects in Rawalpindi. Since November 2025, the projected cost is reported to have progressively increased, approaching nearly Rs 19 billion due to the expansion of the flyover component.
The broader plan includes underpasses, flyover bridges and a modern six-sided pedestrian bridge, which is said to be in the final stages of completion.
Landscaping under the flyovers has been completed, while the lighting and traffic signaling systems are now fully operational. Carpeting work has also been completed on both flyovers and the four adjacent service roads.
Following the opening of Maarka-e-Haq Square, uninterrupted traffic flow is expected along Mall Road, Jhelum Road, Rashid Minhas Road, Old Airport Road and adjacent arteries, which will substantially reduce long-standing congestion across the city.
Residents welcomed the timely completion of the project and expressed optimism that it will significantly improve urban mobility within Rawalpindi.
Digital screens installed at Maarka-e-Haq Square show images of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir, PML-N patron Nawaz Sharif and Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz.
A commemorative white marble entrance associated with Maarka-e-Haq Buny?n al-Mars?s has also been erected, while the renaming of Kachehri Chowk has been presented as a tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces personnel who participated in the operation.
