Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated two major infrastructure projects in Rawalpindi, marking the completion of development works worth Rs 8.77 billion aimed at easing traffic congestion in the city.

The chief minister formally opened the Nawaz Sharif Flyover on Adiala Road and the GPO Chowk Underpass on Mall Road. Completed in record time while maintaining high construction standards, both projects are expected to significantly improve traffic flow and reduce travel time for commuters.

As she arrived at the inauguration site, residents welcomed her by showering flower petals and chanting slogans. Maryam Nawaz responded with waves and smiles. She was accompanied by Punjab’s Provincial Minister for Communications and Works (C&W), Malik Sohaib Bherth, and Secretary C&W, Sohail Ashraf, who provided a detailed briefing on the development initiatives.

Officials informed the chief minister that 67 road projects spanning 607 kilometers had been launched in Rawalpindi, with 51 already completed. The Nawaz Sharif Flyover and GPO Underpass are expected to handle more than 300,000 vehicles daily. The flyover, which begins at Kutchery Chowk on Adiala Road, is expected to ease traffic heading to GT Road, Ring Road, and Chakri Interchange on the Motorway. Commuters are projected to save over an hour in travel time and significant fuel costs.

The flyover will benefit residents of Gorakhpur, Adiala, Khalsa Khurd, Khalsa Kalan, Dhalan, Jarrar Camp, Dhok Awan, Singral, and nearby areas. A two-kilometer service road has also been constructed as part of the project.

The GPO Chowk Underpass, part of a signal-free corridor connecting to TM Chowk on Mall Road, will accommodate more than 200,000 vehicles daily. The project includes a pedestrian facility near the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) and features the city’s first intelligent signal system. The nearly two-kilometer-long underpass will provide easy access to National Highway N-5 via Kashmir Road and will facilitate traffic to and from CMH, MH, AFIC, Saddar Bazaar, Railway Station, and other key locations.

Speaking at the inauguration, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said, “All development projects built for the public’s convenience are our top priority. The construction of these flyover and underpass projects will be a game changer for Rawalpindi.”

She added that the launch of such public welfare initiatives would be remembered as historic. “I commend the efforts of all institutions involved in completing these projects within a record timeframe,” she said.