12-Month Deadline Set for Jhika Gali Widening Project

News Desk

Rawalpindi: Commissioner Rawalpindi Division, Engineer Aamir Khattak, on Friday visited Murree to review the Jhika Gali Chowk widening project and directed authorities to utilize all available resources to ensure its completion within 12 months.

During the briefing, officials outlined the project’s scope, which includes additional slip lanes towards Barrier Road and Kohala Bridge to address traffic congestion. The plan also aims to stabilize slopes, requiring the acquisition of 9.65 kanals of land. Temporary shops, sheds, and structures at the site have already been removed to facilitate civil work.

Authorities have invoked Section 17 (4 & 6) to expedite land acquisition, and the Punjab Planning and Development Department (PPAC) approved the project on February 24, 2025. A sum of Rs. 997 million has been released to the Land Acquisition Collector (LAC) for compensation distribution among affected stakeholders.

Commissioner Khattak emphasized that Murree, as a major tourist hub, requires efficient road infrastructure to ease congestion. He instructed the local administration to ensure timely completion of all ongoing development projects and maintain continuous engagement with residents to secure their cooperation.

Deputy Commissioner Murree Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi, ADCG Murree Kamran Saghir, AC Murree, and other relevant officials were also present during the visit.