ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday approved the launch of a new rail car project to connect Rawalpindi and Islamabad, shortly after performing the groundbreaking of the T-Chowk Flyover.
The premier said the rail car service would be a major public welfare initiative, providing affordable and convenient transport for residents of both cities as well as nearby areas. “This project will not only benefit locals but also serve tourists visiting the twin cities,” he remarked, adding that the existing track would be utilized for quick implementation. He directed that work begin immediately and assured full federal government support.
Earlier, the prime minister laid the foundation stone of the Rs1.4 billion T-Chowk Flyover, located at the intersection of Islamabad Expressway and G.T. Road. The project, expected to be completed in 150 days, is aimed at easing traffic congestion at one of the busiest entry points to the capital. According to the Capital Development Authority (CDA), nearly 100,000 vehicles cross the junction daily, and the new flyover will facilitate around 25,000 vehicles per day by ensuring a smoother traffic flow.
PM Shehbaz praised Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa, and their teams for their efforts, urging them to complete the project on time without compromising quality. He also highlighted the need to accelerate preparations for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Islamabad, appreciating horticulture experts from Tajikistan for planting around 300,000 flowers in the city.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the expressway expansion project was already complete, but its formal inauguration was delayed until the last segment—the T-Chowk Flyover—was launched. He assured that the project would be delivered in record time on the available land, without requiring new acquisitions.
CDA Chairman Randhawa briefed the prime minister on the project, being executed by a joint venture of Habib Construction Services (HCS) and ZKB. Officials also noted that the CDA plans to soon launch another flyover at Shaheen Chowk under the same partnership.
The ceremony was attended by several federal ministers, parliamentarians, CDA officials, and Islamabad’s top administration, including the IGP and deputy commissioner.
