Rawalpindi: The government has revised market rates for construction materials, leading to a 20-25 % rise in the development cost of three major infrastructure projects in Rawalpindi, according to a news published on December 31. The infrastructure projects with upward revised development costs are; Katcheri Chowk, Rawalpindi Ring Road and Leh Expressway and Flood Channel.
Reportedly, the Project Concept-1 (PC-I) of Katcheri Chowk Remodeling project was approved at PKR 3.7 billion, which is now likely to increase to over PKR 4 billion. Similarly, the construction cost of the Rawalpindi Ring Road is likely to rise to PKR 27 billion from PKR 23 billion. The Leh Expressway and Flood Channel, on the other hand, is likely to undergo a cost revision of PKR 5 billion – from PKR 105 billion to PKR 110 billion.
A Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) official hinted that given the increase in material prices, the projects are likely to undergo cost increase if they are not launched by the end of the existing fiscal year.
RDA Chairman Tariq Mehmood Murtaza said that the department is working to revise the PC-I of Katcheri Chowk Remodeling project, which is likely to be approved in January. Afterwards, the tendering process will be initiated to launch the construction work in a month or two. He reiterated that the construction of a two-storey flyover at Katcheri Chowk is vital for resolving traffic woes in Rawalpindi. The chairman also revealed that after the project is executed, work on the Defence Chowk project will be launched.
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