The cost of the Kutchery Chowk remodeling project in Rawalpindi has been revised upward from Rs. 14 billion to Rs. 19 billion, while the completion deadline has been extended from April 30 to the end of May.
A senior official of the Punjab Communication and Works Department said the earlier deadline could not be met due to pending work on multiple components of the project.
Read More: Six EVs You Can Buy in Pakistan Between Rs. 35 and 60 Lacs
He said structural work on two flyovers and three underpasses has been completed, along with most of the roadwork, while finishing components including aesthetics, lighting, and drainage are still underway.
The official attributed the delay to spells of rain in March and the Eid holidays, adding that work is continuing at full pace in double shifts. He said construction activity typically resumes three days after rainfall, which has affected the timeline despite efforts by the Frontier Works Organization to accelerate progress.
Meanwhile, Rawalpindi Division Commissioner Amir Khattak visited the project site along with FWO officials to review ongoing work.
During the visit, engineers and contractors briefed him that overall progress has reached 76 percent. Work at the main Kutchery site stands at 74 percent, while Iftikhar Janjua Underpass is 72 percent complete and Jinnah Park Chowk has reached 71 percent completion.
Officials said utility ducts are 83 percent complete, the pedestrian bridge 50 percent, tube wells 96 percent, and retaining walls 98 percent complete.
The project, which began in November 2025 with an initial timeline of 18 months, is now being executed at an accelerated pace to facilitate the public.
The commissioner directed all concerned departments to ensure timely completion of the project and instructed the Parks and Horticulture Authority to maintain quality standards while completing remaining work.
He also directed the Highway Department to immediately begin work on the elevated crossing between Jinnah Park and Kutchery Chowk to improve traffic flow.
While appreciating the performance of the Punjab Highway Department, he stressed the need for proper signage and effective street lighting to ensure a safe and convenient environment for the public.
