The development cost of the Kacheri Chowk infrastructure project in Rawalpindi has reportedly been revised upward, reflecting the impact of inflation, rising construction material prices, and an expanded scope of work. The project, which is considered one of the most significant traffic management initiatives in the city, is now estimated to cost around Rs. 14.5 billion.
According to officials, the cost escalation is primarily linked to a sharp increase in prices of key construction materials, including steel, cement, bitumen, and fuel. In addition, the decision to accelerate construction through round-the-clock work shifts and the need to maintain higher engineering and safety standards have also contributed to the revised estimate. Authorities have maintained that the increase was unavoidable to ensure uninterrupted progress and to avoid further delays that could lead to even higher costs in the future.
The Kacheri Chowk project involves the construction of modern underpasses and overhead bridges, along with comprehensive road widening and realignment. The project covers a stretch of approximately 2.5 kilometers, connecting multiple arterial roads that converge at Kacheri Chowk. This junction is a critical hub for daily commuters as it links courts, government offices, educational institutions, commercial areas, and densely populated residential neighborhoods.
To meet strict deadlines, construction work is being carried out in multiple shifts, with heavy machinery and labor deployed continuously. Several key milestones have already been achieved, including the completion of reinforced concrete flooring for the underpass, erection of pillars for overhead bridges, and completion of drilling and deep foundation works. The project has now entered advanced structural phases, including shuttering, lintel placement, and preparatory work for deck slabs.
Traffic congestion at Kacheri Chowk has long been a major concern, as the junction handles more than 200,000 vehicles and motorcycles daily. During the construction period, traffic diversions and temporary road closures have caused inconvenience to commuters, traders, and residents in surrounding areas. To mitigate these issues, authorities are planning the partial opening of motorcycle lanes and phased restoration of traffic flow as sections of the project near completion.
Alongside the main construction, extensive ancillary development work is also underway. This includes the rehabilitation of surrounding roads, service lanes, drainage systems, and utility lines connected to nearby offices, mosques, residential blocks, and public institutions. These supporting works are aimed at ensuring smooth integration of the new infrastructure with the existing road network.
Officials have stated that major finishing work is expected to begin after upcoming holidays, followed by gradual, phased openings of completed sections. Once fully operational, the project is expected to eliminate traffic signals at the junction, significantly reduce travel time, improve road safety, and lower fuel consumption caused by prolonged congestion.
Despite the increase in cost, authorities consider the Kacheri Chowk project a long-term investment in Rawalpindi’s urban infrastructure, emphasizing that the upgraded road network will support growing traffic demands and provide lasting benefits for commuters and businesses alike.
