Two flyovers, three underpasses completed in 187 days to allow signal free traffic
RAWALPINDI:
The state-of-the-art District Courts Chowk underpasses and overhead bridges project has been formally completed, with all inauguration arrangements now completed ahead of the official opening scheduled for Sunday afternoon.
The mega-infrastructure development, officially named “Marka-e-Haq Square”, includes two flyovers, three underpasses and two steel pedestrian bridges. The project has reportedly been completed within 187 days at an estimated cost of approximately Rs 19 billion.
Construction work on the project started on 3 November 2025. To speed up progress, construction operations reportedly continued in three shifts around the clock, enabling the scheme to be completed ahead of schedule.
An inaugural plaque bearing the name of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has already been installed while a full ceremonial rehearsal for the inaugural event has also been completed. Immediately after the inauguration, the intersection is expected to be opened to uninterrupted signal-free traffic.
Amidst strict confidentiality and limited public visibility, the final preparations for the formal inauguration of the Kachehri Chowk flyover have entered their final phase. Development activity continued at an accelerated pace, with extensive landscaping and finishing works carried out across the site.
Large ornamental trees, flowering plants and decorative foliage were transported on heavy trailers and installed around the interchange, while fresh turf was laid along the runways, adjacent service roads and the surrounding edges.
Testing of LED lighting and decorative lighting systems was completed overnight. More than 100 sanitation personnel were reportedly deployed on an emergency basis to carry out site cleaning and preparation, while carpeting and final finishing works have also been completed.
CM Maryam is expected to attend the inauguration as the chief guest. Aamir Khattak and Hassan Waqar Cheema are hosting the ceremony. Official invitations have been issued, while comprehensive security directives have also been finalised.
The Kachehri Chowk development is being described as one of Rawalpindi’s most sophisticated urban infrastructure projects. Since November 2025, the expected cost has reportedly increased gradually and approached nearly Rs 19 billion due to the expansion of the elevated crossing component.
The wider scheme includes underpasses, overhead bridges and a modern six-sided footbridge which is said to be in the final stages of completion.
Landscaping under the flyovers has been completed, while lighting and traffic signal systems are now fully operational. Carpet work on both flyovers and all four adjacent service roads has also been completed.
After the opening of Maarka-e-Haq Square, uninterrupted traffic flow is expected along Mall Road, Jhelum Road, Rashid Minhas Road, Old Airport Road and adjacent arteries, significantly reducing prolonged congestion throughout the city.
Residents have welcomed the timely completion of the project and expressed optimism that it will significantly improve urban mobility in Rawalpindi.
Digital screens installed at Maarka-e-Haq Square show images of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir, PML-N Patron Nawaz Sharif and Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz.
A white marble memorial gate associated with Maarka-e-Haq Buny?n al-Mars?s has also been erected, while the renaming of Kachehri Chowk has been presented as a tribute to the personnel of the Pakistan Armed Forces who participated in the operation.
