RAWALPINDI: A total of 395 schemes worth Rs229.833 billion have been included in Rawalpindi Division under the Annual Development Programme 2024-25.

Commissioner Aamir Khattak stated this while presiding over the review meeting of the Divisional Development Working Party, which approved the widening of 66km Rawalpindi-Murree-Kashmir Road at Lower Topa.

Mr Khattak highlighted that the current road infrastructure was inadequate to handle the high volume of traffic due to an influx of tourists and commercial activities. Hence, there is an urgent need for expansion of the road to remove this bottleneck. The estimated cost of this 66km long road to be executed by the Punjab Highway Department was Rs133 million, set to be completed within six months.

Additional Commissioner Coordination Syed Nazarat Ali, Assistant Director Development, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Finance and Planning), SE Highways, Xen Building, National Highways and other concerned government departments participated in this meeting held at the Commissioner’s Office.

Commissioner Khattak said that 395 schemes worth Rs228.823 billion were included in Rawalpindi Division under the Annual Development Programme to enhance the quality of life of the people. Out of these, 274 are ongoing projects while 121 new schemes will bring convenience to the public after completion.

The commissioner directed that the policy guidelines given for the ongoing development projects across the division should be followed according to the law. Along with the use of quality materials, the speed of work should be expedited to ensure timely completion of these projects. He said delayed projects cause hardships and inconvenience to the people.

Published in Dawn, September 6th, 2024