PM breaks ground for two Rs 8bln interchanges; vows to make Islamabad tourism model

ISLAMABAD, Nov 5 :Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday laid the foundation stones for two road-interchanges projects at Jinnah Avenue-Ninth Avenue and Serena-Convention Center intersections to ease traffic congestion on the main arteries of the federal capital.

The prime minister, who unveiled the plaques for both mega road projects valued over Rs 8 billion, emphasized the swift completion of the work and believed that the projects would usher in an era of progress and prosperity for the residents of Islamabad and its suburbs.

Addressing the ceremony, the prime minister said what was initially planned to be completed in six months will now be completed in just 100 days. The Serena Chowk project will be finalized in 60 days.

He also extended his felicitations to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for his leadership in executing key projects.

A detailed briefing on the plans was given to the prime minister by Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa, who outlined the designs and expected benefits of the projects for local residents and commuters.

“Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi has maintained his exemplary record of Punjab and has shown great commitment to beautifying and modernizing Islamabad,” the prime minister remarked and also appreciated Information Minister Attaullah Tarar’s efforts in repairing and beautifying the SCO CHG conference hall.

He praised the security arrangements made by law enforcement agencies, particularly the beautification of Islamabad for the recently successful conduct of the SCO CHG conference, which had been widely appreciated by foreign dignitaries including the Chinese and Russian premiers.

In addition to the new infrastructure developments, Prime Minister Shehbaz asked the authorities concerned to maintain the aesthetic appeal of Islamabad as a permanent feature to amuse the guests coming from across the world and the country, and instructed to develop Islamabad as a global tourist hub, taking advantage of its natural beauty.

Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who also spoke at the ceremony, reiterated the government’s dedication to completing these projects swiftly and maintaining the beauty and flow of Islamabad’s infrastructure.

He announced plans for additional development, including the construction of five-star hotels and efforts to improve the traffic flow at Faizabad Chowk.

Naqvi said, “We are also working on connecting Margalla Road with the Motorway to further ease congestion and reduce the motorway to PM Office distance to just 15-20 minutes.”