ISLAMABAD: The construction of Rawal Dam Interchange, inaugurated in July last year by Prime Minister Imran Khan, is still marred by a slow pace of work, indicating the project will not be completed within the stipulated time.

Three months after inauguration (in October), the Capital Development Authority (CDA) had formally issued a commencement letter.

The project worth Rs1.17 billion is being executed by a joint venture of two construction firms. According to its PC-1, it is supposed to be completed in two years.

But the pace of work at the site indicates that the project will not be completed on time. “So far the progress of work is around 10pc,” said a CDA engineer.

Inaugurated by PM in July last year, so far 10pc work has been completed, says official

However, CDA officials concerned attributed the delay to non-shifting of utility service lines from the site.

Director Roads Rana Tahir Mahmood said networks of a number of utility service providers such as Sui Northern Gas Pipelines (SNGPL), Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco), Pakistan Telecommunication Company (PTCL), water lines, Safe City camera lines cross the site.

He said the CDA already paid Rs 83 million to SNGPL and Rs53 million to Iesco for shifting their lines a few weeks ago.

“Now, we are waiting for their response and once the lines of these two major utility companies are shifted, we will be able to expedite the work.”

He, however, claimed that despite the slow pace of work, the project will be completed within the stipulated time.

“I would say if the lines are shifted today, we will get the project completed in a one year,” he claimed.

He said the contractors were in the meantime constructing attached roads/shoulders and preparing girders to make advance progress.

After its inauguration, the project saw delay of three months for getting the go-ahead from Pakistan Environment Protection Agency as the inaugurated was arranged without an environment impact assessment (EIA). The design of the project was vetted by a consultant after inauguration of the work.

The interchange is being constructed at the junction of Murree Road/Club Road and Park Road. According to CDA officials, once completed, the project will provide relief to commuters as traffic congestion on the portion of Murree Road has become routine.

Besides Murree Road, traffic on Park Road had also increased due to the mushroom growth of houses in Lakhwal, Chatta Bakhtawar, Shahzad Town, Rawal Town, Alipur Frash, Bahria Enclave, Park Enclave and other areas.

A large number of educational institutions, including two public sector universities, and wedding halls are also located along the road.

“After completion of the project, the issue of traffic congestion will be resolved as this interchange also have loops to provide direct link to motorists. Vehicles coming from Park Road will have an exclusive left loop to directly go towards Faizabad,” said the engineer.

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2021