Key Takeaways
- Kabotar Chowk Underpass project in Peshawar fails to meet 60-day completion deadline.
- Project forms part of Azmat-e-Rafta development program, which includes plans for flyovers and underpasses.
- Underpass is expected to open to traffic on October 1, with ongoing finishing work.
The Rs. 2 billion Kabotar Chowk Underpass project in Peshawar has missed its 60-day completion deadline set by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government. The project, part of the Azmat-e-Rafta development program, aims to improve traffic flow along Peshawar’s Ring Road through the construction of flyovers and underpasses.
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi launched the Kabotar Chowk project on June 4, and construction began on June 17. Despite rapid progress, the underpass remains incomplete as the deadline expires on Thursday.
To facilitate traffic flow, authorities have removed encroachments around Kabotar Chowk and widened the adjoining service road. However, incomplete road construction prevented the scheduled opening on September 7.
Officials now plan to open the underpass to traffic on October 1, although development and finishing work around the project will continue. The delay highlights the challenges faced in completing major infrastructure projects within tight timelines.
The Azmat-e-Rafta development program, which includes plans for flyovers and underpasses, is part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance urban infrastructure in Peshawar. The project’s failure to meet the deadline may raise concerns about the effectiveness of such programs.
While the underpass is expected to open to traffic on October 1, the ongoing work around the project suggests that the completion of all planned improvements may take longer than initially anticipated. This delay could impact the overall benefits of the Azmat-e-Rafta program.
The project’s progress and the challenges faced in meeting the deadline underscore the complexities involved in large-scale infrastructure projects. The government’s commitment to completing such projects remains intact, with officials emphasizing the importance of these developments for the city’s growth and development.
