RAWALPINDI: After increasing the cost of the Kutchery Chowk remodeling project from Rs14 billion to Rs19 billion, the deadline for completing the work has been extended from April 30 to the end of May.

A senior official of the Punjab Communication and Works Department told Dawn that the April 30 deadline was extended to mid-May, as many portions of the work were still pending.

He said that the structures of two flyovers and three underpasses had already been completed and road work done but there was aesthetic work, lighting and drainage work to be completed. He said the spells of rain in March and Eid holidays were the main reason behind some delay but the work was in full swing and would be completed soon.

He said that after rain it will take three days to start the work. Though the contractor, Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), was striving hard to meet the deadline and work in double shifts, the weather condition was not favourable.

Official says aesthetic work, lighting and drainage work yet to be completed

On the other hand, Divisional Commissioner Abdul Aamer Khattak along with FWO officials visited the Kutchery Chowk remodeling project site and reviewed the ongoing construction activities. Officials, engineers and contractors of the concerned departments gave a briefing on the progress of the project.

They said the was progressing rapidly and being done in double shifts.

The overall progress on the project is 76 per cent. According to the officials, the physical progress of work on the site was 74 per cent, while the physical progress on Iftikhar Janjua Underpass was 72 per cent and on Jinnah Park Chowk 71 per cent.

Similarly, progress on the utility ducts is 83 per cent, the pedestrian bridge 50 per cent, the sum well 96 per cent and the retaining wall 98 per cent.

The officials said that the project, which started in November 2025, was scheduled to be completed in 18 months, but keeping in mind the public convenience, the work was being carried out at a record pace.

The commissioner asked the concerned agencies to complete the work as per the stipulated timeline. He directed the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) to complete all work on time and in accordance with the quality standards.

Furthermore, the Highway Department was directed to immediately start work on the elevated crossing project between Jinnah Park and Kutchery Chowk so that the citizens can get convenience in transportation.

He appreciated the performance of Punjab Highway Department and also emphasised that proper signage and effective management of electric lighting should be ensured in the relevant area so that a safe and comfortable environment can be provided to the public.

Published in Dawn, April 5th, 2026