ISLAMABAD EXPRESSWAY: Commuters frustrated as deadlines slip again

Islamabad : The Islamabad Expressway project, a critical road connecting Rawalpindi to the capital, has once again missed its deadline, with the anticipated completion date of August 14, 2024, passing without the work being finished. The ongoing delays have become a troubling norm, leaving commuters, especially those traveling near the T-Chowk section, to endure significant inconvenience as the project drags on with no clear end in sight.

The Expressway, essential for connecting Islamabad with Rawalpindi and surrounding areas, has been undergoing expansion and refurbishment for several years. The project, which includes widening the road and upgrading the problematic patch near T-Chowk, was expected to be completed by mid-August. However, despite repeated assurances from the authorities, the work remains unfinished, much to the frustration of daily commuters.

Commuters have expressed their dissatisfaction over the persistent delays, citing increased travel time and worsening traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. "It’s a nightmare every morning," said one frustrated commuter.

"We were promised that the construction would be done by now, but it feels like there’s no end in sight. Besides, the U-turn before T-Chowk has been closed, and a temporary U-turn has been created using barriers, which is a traffic hazard. We have to take such a long U-turn toward Islamabad from T-Chowk, and the road has been completely damaged by the overloaded trucks. This creates a bottleneck at T-Chowk and takes a lot of time to get back onto Islamabad Expressway."

Another commuter remarked, "The heavy rains during the monsoon season have further damaged the road. There’s a lot of patchwork done on GT Road, even where it wasn’t necessary, and it continues all the way to Swan Bridge." These ongoing delays have only heightened the dissatisfaction among residents and commuters who rely on the Expressway daily. The patchwork near T-Chowk has become particularly problematic, with uneven surfaces causing further traffic slowdowns and posing safety risks. "The road condition is terrible, and it’s becoming dangerous to drive, especially at night because the road is so uneven," commented another daily commuter.

With the August 14th deadline now passed, no new completion date has been officially announced, leaving many to question when the project will finally be finished. As the situation persists, residents continue to hope for a swift resolution, though their patience is wearing thin.