The major traffic remodelling project at Kutchery Chowk in Rawalpindi has faced another delay. Authorities have extended the completion deadline to the end of May. The decision comes after a sharp increase in project costs.
Officials from the Punjab Communication and Works Department confirmed the update. The cost of the Kutchery Chowk project has risen from Rs14 billion to Rs19 billion. Due to this increase, a revised PC-I has been prepared for approval.
Initially, the project was expected to be completed by April 30. However, the deadline was first extended to mid-May. It has now been pushed further to the end of May as several parts remain incomplete.
Despite the delay, much of the core work at Kutchery Chowk has already been completed. Authorities said that structures of two flyovers and three underpasses are in place. Most of the main roadwork has also been finished.
However, some final tasks are still pending. These include drainage systems, street lighting, and aesthetic improvements. Officials say these finishing elements are necessary before the project can be fully operational.
The project began in November 2025 with an 18-month timeline. It is being executed by the Frontier Works Organisation. Current estimates suggest that around 75 to 76 percent of the work has been completed.
Authorities have cited multiple reasons for the delay. Weather conditions played a major role in slowing down construction. Rainfall during March affected progress, as work usually pauses after heavy showers.
The Eid holidays also contributed to the delay. Construction activity slowed during the break. Officials noted that work resumes a few days after rainfall, which further impacts timelines.
During a recent visit, Rawalpindi Division Commissioner Abdul Aamer Khattak reviewed the progress. He directed departments to speed up work while maintaining quality standards.
Progress reports show varying completion levels across different sections. The main site is about 74 percent complete. The Iftikhar Janjua Underpass stands at 72 percent, while Jinnah Park Chowk is at 71 percent.
Utility ducts have reached 83 percent completion. However, the pedestrian bridge is only around 50 percent complete. Officials are working to complete these remaining parts as soon as possible.
The Kutchery Chowk project is important for improving traffic flow in Rawalpindi. It aims to reduce congestion at one of the city’s busiest intersections. The plan includes separating local and transit traffic through multi-level structures.
Experts say the project will benefit daily commuters once completed. However, repeated delays highlight challenges in large infrastructure projects. Issues such as cost increases, weather disruptions, and planning changes continue to affect timelines.
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Authorities remain hopeful that the project will be completed by the new deadline. Once finished, Kutchery Chowk is expected to ease traffic pressure and improve urban mobility in the twin cities.
