LAHORE: The pace of work on the Rs3bn Wagah Joint Check Post Expansion Project on the Pakistan-India border has been accelerated to complete it with a new look by the end of the next year.

The project was formally signed on Feb 29, marking a significant milestone in enhancing security, facilities and tourism infrastructure at the Wagah border crossing. The contracts (both consultancy and civil works) were awarded to the National Engineering Services Pakistan (Nespak) and a private construction company, respectively and the project was launched in June this year. The project is being funded by the Punjab government but the Pakistan Rangers is getting it executed being owner/client of the scheme.

“The pace of work has been accelerated and the construction activities are in full swing these days, paving the way to complete it as per the deadline,” Zulfiqar Ali, a spokesman for Nespak said while talking to Dawn on Tuesday.

World’s third highest flagpole, increase in spectators capacity to 24,000 part of the project

“It is a strategically important project for which we are making all-out efforts to ensure quality,” he maintained.

According to a document, available with Dawn, the project is expected to be completed by Dec 31, 2025 within the duration of 18 months with a phased completion approach to ensure minimal disruption to border operations.

The expansion will increase the spectator capacity from 8,000 to 24,000, featuring notable additions such as a state-of-the-art historical museum, showcasing the history of the Wagah border and its significance. Modern waiting lounges with amenities for travelers and tourists would also be constructed besides a green room for the VVIPs and dignitaries. The design of the building also incorporates sustainable and energy-efficient features.

The project’s salient features include relocation of flagpole since the existing flagpole is off-centered and required to be relocated to be centrally aligned. The project had been envisaged by the caretaker Punjab government after the then chief minister and Commander IV Corps visited the border on Dec 25, 2023 and felt the need of the expansion scheme as well as the spectators’ venue.

The entrance of the expansion area has been designed like the Alamgiri Gate having height of the structure to 166-feet, covered area of 155,000 sq ft, four storeys, two VIP lounges/waiting areas, 15 offices of Pakistan Rangers, barracks for 100 persons, a history museum spanning

over 10,600 sq ft and a media gallery of 2,000 sq ft.

The project involves increasing the height of the world’s fifth tallest flagpole from 115 to 135 meters, making it the world’s third highest flagpole. The flagpole will be designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and will be illuminated at night, making it an iconic landmark.

Meanwhile, Nespak MD Zargham Eshaq Khan visited the expansion site of Wagah check post and inspected the site. He emphasized the importance of identifying all critical activities and timely completion of the project.

Published in Dawn, September 11th, 2024