Opening of Peshawar Mor Interchange may be delayed again

The much awaited inauguration of Peshawar Mor Interchange, Islamabad, is likely to be delayed once again. The interchange project was scheduled to be completed in April last year, but it still seems to be far away from completion. Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) wants opening of the incomplete interchange on March 23. However, it is not clear that the current rain spell will allow the RDA to open some sections of the interchange on March 23.
"In case of rain, opening of the interchange may be delayed for few days," said Syed Athar Bukhari, Deputy Director, Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), while talking to Business Recorder on Friday. He said a new inauguration date of the Peshawar Mor Interchange had not been scheduled yet, however, the interchange could be partially opened for traffic depending on the weather situation.
The inauguration was scheduled for March 23, 2016 when the Metro Bus Project Implementation Committee Chairman Hanif Abbasi and Acting Commissioner Sajid Zafar Dall visited the Metro Bus Project and Peshawar Mor Interchange in February this year and directed the contractors to speed up work so that the project could be inaugurated on 23 March. National Logistics Cell (NLC) contractor of Peshawar Mor was also present during their visit, who told them that 90 percent work on the project had been completed.
A source said that the announcement of deadlines by the officials concerned came on regular basis. Initially, the interchange was to be opened along with Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro Bus. After that, a deadline after deadline was given by the RDA and Commissioner Rawalpindi Division.In recent past, a dispute over the project design between the construction firm executing the project - National Logistics Cell (NLC) - and design consultant National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) caused suspension of work.
Work on the project remained at a standstill for almost four months after the NLC refused to go ahead with the design of the interchange originally submitted by the NESPAK. Peshawar Mor Interchange is part of the Metro Bus Project. It was included in the Project at a later stage on the request of the federal government. The federal government will provide about Rs 4 billion for the interchange, while the Punjab government will pay over Rs 1 billion. The total length of the overhead, underground and ramp roads is approximately 14 kilometres. Under the interchange project, some eight flyovers will be constructed. The project, when completed, will provide a signal-free access to commuters.