ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday inaugurated the Recep Tayyip Erdogan Interchange at Jinnah Avenue.

The project worth Rs4.1 billion has two components — a flyover and an underpass at the junction of Jinnah Avenue and 9th Avenue.

While inaugurating the project, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa for completing the project in record 84 days.

He also praised the contractor for what he said was quality work.

Road to cater to all types of vehicles, help in reducing traffic congestion

The prime minister said with the completion of this project as well as protected U-turns, traffic will move smoothly.

Besides parliamentarians and government officials, the inauguration ceremony was also attended by the Turkish ambassador to Pakistan.

The project had been named after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his recent visit to Pakistan.

The prime minister also directed the interior minister to share a detailed presentation about upcoming and required projects to make the city more beautiful.

“I am impressed by Mohsin Naqvi’s speed,” the prime minister said while referring to the speedy completion of Serena Interchange project.

He also directed the interior ministry and CDA for introducing best solid waste management system in the capital city, including for the rural areas.

Prime Minister Sharif said this project was completed less than the estimated cost and saved amount was spent on U-turns.

Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that the project was initially slated to be completed in six months. However, the time period was reduced to 120 days and then to 100 days but it was completed in just 84 days, he added.

Mr Naqvi said that this project was much needed as people had been facing traffic congestion at this junction.

He said the CDA was also going to start massive tree plantation campaign in Islamabad to make the city greener. He said that Islamabad is also facing low level smog issue and with tree plantation, this issue would be addressed.

Meanwhile, massive traffic congestion was witnessed at Jinnah Avenue and its flyover portion putting hundreds of motorists in trouble after a large number of motorists moved towards the interchange after coming to know that the project had been inaugurated and opened to traffic.

Later the CDA removed the marquee, which had been set up for the opening ceremony and boulders in the area and entire project was opened for traffic.

“The road has been opened to all types of traffic and there is no traffic congestion. There was a traffic mess in the evening, but all hurdles have been removed, and the traffic congestion issue at this junction has been resolved for good,” the CDA spokesperson, Shahid Kiani, said.

Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2025