The newly-constructed Sixth Road flyover has been opened for vehicular traffic, while its formal inauguration will be held on January 9.
The completion date for the project had been fixed for Jan 23, but due to difficulties being faced by citizens, the authorities were forced to direct the contractor to accelerate the pace of work, leading to the completion of the project ahead of schedule.
Earlier, the Rawalpindi Commissioner division had given a green signal for opening the flyover for vehicular traffic, but that was halted due to a tug of war between the Highway departments of Punjab and the National Logistics Cell (NLC).
Work on the flyover had been completed but a tussle between the two departments had blocked its inauguration. However the flyover was opened for traffic on Saturday.
The local administration wanted to wait for Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz MNA Hanif Abbasi to return from Saudi Arabia to inaugurate the flyover, but the NLC managed to have it opened so it could repair service roads.
Sardar Naseem, the president of the party’s city chapter, MPA Raja Hanif and officials of the communication and works department and the NLC were present when traffic was directed to pass on the flyover on Saturday evening. Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif will formally inaugurate the bridge later. The chief minister had laid the flyover’s foundation on September 25. The 248 metre long bridge with a 202 metre ramp had been constructed at a cost of Rs 1,042 million.
Rawalpindi Division Commissioner Imdadullah Bosal said the construction company had recommended the opening while the communication and works department had sought time.
“The department wanted to complete the remaining work without hurdles so it delayed the opening,” he said. The remaining work would be completed within shortest possible time frame, he added.
