PM Shehbaz Sharif to Open T-Chowk Flyover After Record 77-Day Completion
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to formally open the T-Chowk Flyover, also known as the Iqbal Chowk Flyover, marking a major milestone in Islamabad’s infrastructure development. The flyover has been completed in a record 77 days and is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion at one of the capital’s busiest junctions.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the inauguration, praising the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the project team for delivering the scheme within a tight timeline and at a lower cost compared to similar projects in the past.
The flyover is located at a key entry point between Rawalpindi and Islamabad and is expected to serve nearly 100,000 commuters daily, offering long-awaited relief to motorists traveling from Rawalpindi, Rawat, and Lahore into the federal capital.
From Inspection to Completion in Just Over Two Months
According to Mohsin Naqvi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif first inspected the T-Chowk site on September 12. Following the inspection, construction work officially began on September 19 and was completed by December 5.
He clarified that the inauguration ceremony was delayed slightly due to the prime minister’s busy schedule rather than any delay in construction work.
Completing a major flyover in just 77 days is being described as an exceptional achievement, particularly in a city where infrastructure projects have historically taken much longer to finish.
Record Timeline Achieved Through Round-the-Clock Work
The interior minister said the project’s success was due to continuous supervision and non-stop construction work.
One civil engineer remained present at the site at all times, ensuring strict oversight and quick decision-making. Labor teams worked day and night to meet the deadline without compromising construction quality.
Naqvi said this approach reflects the government’s new emphasis on speed, efficiency, and accountability in public sector development projects.
Islamabad’s Growing Population and Infrastructure Pressure
Highlighting the urgency of such projects, Mohsin Naqvi noted that Islamabad’s population has increased nearly four times over the last two decades.
Despite this rapid growth, road networks and civic infrastructure have not expanded at the same pace. This imbalance has resulted in severe traffic congestion, especially at major junctions connecting Islamabad with Rawalpindi.
The T-Chowk Flyover is seen as a crucial step toward addressing this long-standing problem.
Major Relief for Daily Commuters
Officials said the flyover is expected to drastically improve traffic flow and reduce travel time for thousands of commuters.
The junction previously experienced heavy congestion during peak hours, with long queues of vehicles entering Islamabad from Rawalpindi and surrounding areas.
With the opening of the flyover, traffic from Rawalpindi, Rawat, and Lahore will move more smoothly into the capital, easing pressure on surrounding roads.
Focus on Long-Term Urban Planning
Mohsin Naqvi said the government is not only focused on completing delayed projects but also on planning for Islamabad’s future needs.
He stated that authorities are now working on a long-term development strategy to prepare the capital for the next 20 years, taking into account population growth, traffic demands, and public service requirements.
Reducing gridlock at major choke points such as the Faizabad Interchange remains a top priority for the government.
Drinking Water Shortage Also a Key Concern
In addition to traffic management, the interior minister highlighted Islamabad’s ongoing drinking water shortage as a serious issue.
He said resolving water supply problems is part of the government’s broader civic improvement agenda, alongside road infrastructure and public facilities.
The aim is to improve overall quality of life for residents of the capital through coordinated planning and development.
Vision 2027: A Comprehensive Development Blueprint
Mohsin Naqvi also unveiled plans for a large-scale development initiative titled Vision 2027, which will be implemented under the Interior Ministry.
He said a detailed briefing on Vision 2027 is expected on January 1 or 2, during which around 130 development projects will be announced.
These projects will cover a wide range of sectors, including:
- Road construction and upgrades
- Graveyards
- Hotels
- Recreational facilities
- Other essential civic infrastructure
The initiative aims to modernize Islamabad and improve both its functionality and appearance.
“Quality, Low Cost, and Speed” as Core Principles
Naqvi emphasized that all projects under Vision 2027 will be guided by three key principles: quality, low cost, and speed.
He revealed that the Iqbal Chowk Flyover was completed at an estimated cost of Rs. 1 billion, which is lower than the cost of similar flyover projects completed in other cities.
Strict monitoring, efficient planning, and on-site supervision helped reduce unnecessary expenses while maintaining construction standards.
Same Team Working on Hospitals and Other Key Projects
The interior minister added that the same project team responsible for the T-Chowk Flyover is currently engaged in several other major schemes.
These include the development and upgrading of major hospitals, reflecting the government’s focus on improving public service delivery.
He hinted that additional development announcements will be made soon as part of the government’s broader reform and infrastructure drive.
Late-Night Inspection Ahead of Inauguration
Earlier, Mohsin Naqvi, along with Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, paid a late-night visit to the Iqbal Chowk Flyover site.
During the visit, they inspected construction quality and reviewed preparations for the inauguration ceremony.
Naqvi expressed satisfaction with the work completed and praised the dedication of the CDA and project teams.
Environmental Improvements Around the Flyover
In addition to road construction, the CDA has taken steps to improve the environment around the flyover.
According to officials, more than 3,000 trees and shrubs have been planted in the surrounding area to enhance greenery and improve air quality.
Naqvi lauded these efforts, saying that infrastructure development should go hand in hand with environmental responsibility.
Senior Officials Present During Inspection
Several senior officials were present during the late-night inspection, including:
- Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa
- Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Memon
- Other senior administrative and engineering officers
Officials reiterated that the flyover is strategically located and will play a vital role in improving connectivity between Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Conclusion – PM Shehbaz Sharif T-Chowk Flyover 77-Day Completion
The opening of the T-Chowk (Iqbal Chowk) Flyover by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif represents a significant achievement in Islamabad’s infrastructure development.
Completed in a record 77 days, the project showcases the government’s renewed focus on fast, cost-effective, and high-quality development.
With Vision 2027 set to introduce over 130 new projects, authorities hope to address long-standing urban challenges and prepare Islamabad for future growth.
For daily commuters, the new flyover promises smoother travel, reduced congestion, and a more efficient entry into the federal capital—making it one of the most impactful infrastructure additions in recent years.
