Islamabad Expressway becomes signal-free as PM Shehbaz opens Iqbal Flyover

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has inaugurated the Iqbal Flyover at T-Chowk along with a newly completed signal-free corridor on the Islamabad Expressway, marking the delivery of two major infrastructure projects aimed at easing traffic congestion in the federal capital.

The inauguration ceremony was held after the completion of both projects in a record 77 days, with a total development cost of Rs1.4 billion. Officials briefed the prime minister that the new infrastructure has permanently addressed traffic bottlenecks for vehicles entering Islamabad from the GT Road, an area that had long been a choke point for daily commuters.

The Iqbal Flyover forms part of a wider effort to improve traffic flow between Islamabad and Rawalpindi, particularly at Iqbal Chowk, which serves as a central junction connecting the twin cities. According to authorities, the flyover is expected to facilitate the daily movement of around 100,000 travellers, significantly reducing delays that were previously caused by traffic signals and congestion at the intersection.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said traffic jams at T-Chowk had been a persistent problem for years. He noted that the completion of the flyover and the signal-free corridor would bring tangible relief to motorists and commuters who use the Islamabad Expressway on a daily basis.

He also announced that a service road will be constructed alongside the expressway to further improve traffic management and ensure smoother movement for local and through traffic. According to the interior minister, these initiatives are aligned with Vision 2027, a broader development plan for Islamabad that focuses on modern infrastructure and improved urban mobility.

براہِ راست: وزیراعظم کا اسلام آباد ایکسپریس وے سگنل فری کوریڈور کی افتتاحی تقریب سے خطاب https://t.co/wnRyGyFdHe

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) December 18, 2025

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated all departments, engineers and workers involved in completing the projects within a tight timeframe. He described the pace of work as exceptional and said the timely completion reflected improved coordination among federal and city authorities.

“These projects are important for the convenience of ordinary citizens,” the prime minister said during his remarks. He added that providing better travel facilities for the public remained a key priority of the government, particularly in major urban centres where traffic congestion directly affects daily life and economic activity.

Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had visited the Iqbal Chowk Flyover to review preparations for the inauguration ceremony. He was accompanied by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, and the visit focused on final arrangements and operational readiness ahead of the formal opening.

Officials also highlighted the environmental component of the project, noting that around 3,000 new plants and trees have been planted in and around the project area. The plantation drive is aimed at improving the local environment and enhancing the visual landscape along the expressway.

With the opening of the Iqbal Flyover and the signal-free corridor, authorities expect a noticeable improvement in traffic flow on one of Islamabad’s busiest routes, particularly during peak hours, as commuters between Rawalpindi and Islamabad begin to experience shorter travel times and fewer stoppages.