The long-awaited rehabilitation of the Metro Corridor from Saddar to Faizabad is progressing at a slow pace, with yet another deadline extension pushing completion to the end of March. Originally slated for completion by December 2024, the Rs. 718.945 million project has already seen multiple delays, first shifting to mid-January and now to late March.
The Rawalpindi Development Authority is highly accountable for executing the project, as it originally built the metro corridor in 2014. The Punjab Masstransit Authority (PMA) brought in Nespak as a consultant and tasked the RDA with carrying out the rehabilitation work.
Slow Progress Despite Night Work
A senior RDA official has revealed by speaking to Dawn that the majority of work on the elevated road was nearing completion, but an additional month would be needed to finalize it.
“Most of the work is being carried out during the nighttime to reduce traffic disruptions. However, during the day, construction is limited to one side of the road, with the other lane remaining open for bus traffic,” he explained.
One of the major holdups has been repairing the joints of the elevated track, which has been stalled for the last two weeks. Additionally, safety walls along the metro track are being repaired, and significant progress has been made from Faizabad to Hamza Camp.
To speed up the process, the RDA requested the PMA to close the metro track for one or two weeks, but the request was denied.
PMA Confident of March 23 Completion
Meanwhile, PMA General Manager Operations Ozair Shah remains optimistic, stating that 96% of the work has already been completed. He expressed hope that the remaining tasks would be finished by March 23.
Read more: Lahore to get Pakistan’s first fully underground metro train
“The RDA requested to temporarily shut down the track, but with over 120,000 passengers relying on the metro daily, it was not feasible. Thanks to well-planned measures, commuter numbers have not declined despite ongoing construction,” he added.
Shah also pointed out another issue: the deteriorating Islamabad section of the metro track, which falls under the Capital Development Authority (CDA). He revealed that repeated requests to repair the track from Faizabad to Pakistan Secretariat have gone unanswered.
“We have now decided to take up the matter with the federal government to ensure the much-needed repairs are carried out,” he stated.
Over the past nine years, potholes have developed along the 14.6 km Islamabad section, running through Faizabad, IJP Road, and 9th Avenue. This has made it difficult for bus drivers to maintain speed and poses a safety concern for passengers.
Metro’s Journey Since 2014
The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro Bus Service was completed in 2014 at a total cost of Rs. 44.8 billion, with Punjab and the federal government splitting the expenses nearly equally. The Rawalpindi portion cost Rs. 19.17 billion, while the Islamabad section amounted to Rs. 23.84 billion.
The metro service of 24 stations has been proven to be a lifeline for daily travelers. It has nearly 10 stations on Murree Road in Rawalpindi and 14 in Islamabad. However, years of wear and tear have taken a toll on the infrastructure, and it is leaving no stone unturned in making rehabilitation efforts crucial for maintaining the safe and secure public transport.
Delays are causing massive frustration, officials are assuring that the upgraded corridor will soon deliver smoother, safer, and more efficient metro services for the masses of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.