Slow pace of work mars Dera flyovers project
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The over Rs3 billion flyover project launched to ease chronic traffic congestion in the city is facing growing criticism from residents, traders and commuters over its slow pace of work, poor traffic management and increasing public hardships.
While the provincial government presented the construction of two flyovers at Tank Adda Chowk and Old Sabzi Mandi Chowk as a major urban infrastructure initiative, citizens say the project has created serious disruption due to unplanned excavation, blocked roads, dust pollution and the absence of proper traffic diversions.
Many residents complain they are struggling to reach hospitals, schools and workplaces, while traders report a sharp decline in customer visits and business activity.
Tank Adda Chowk and Old Sabzi Mandi Chowk are among the city’s busiest intersections, connecting traffic towards Tank, Bannu and surrounding districts, while also serving the main commercial markets. During peak hours, both junctions regularly witness long traffic jams.
According to Hakeem Khan, Sub-Divisional Officer of the communication and works department’s highway division, the total estimated cost of the project is Rs3.224 billion. He said the construction contract has been awarded to the National Logistics Corporation (NLC).
Mr Khan said the Tank Adda Flyover would be approximately 900 metres long, while that of the Sabzi Mandi Chowk would be around 1.2 kilometres in length. Service roads are also part of the project to facilitate local traffic.
He said the expected completion period was around 30 months, adding that officials hoped the project would be completed before the scheduled deadline.
However, residents say the pace of work remains slow, and the lack of planning has made daily life difficult.
Resident Mohammad Usman Isra said people felt trapped in their own neighbourhoods due to road closures and excavation work. “Patients face difficulty reaching hospitals, and students struggle to get to schools. If the project is for public benefit, temporary relief measures should have been ensured first,” he said.
The traders’ community has also expressed strong concern over the impact of the project on business.
Sohail Ahmed Azmi, president of the Central Traders Association, said traders supported development projects but criticised poor implementation.
“Despite such a major contract, proper traffic diversions were never created. Access to shops has been badly affected, customers have reduced, and dust from construction has damaged business activity,” he said.
He added that municipal authorities had failed to ensure regular water sprinkling to control dust.
Another major concern raised by residents and traffic officials is the increasing number of illegal rickshaws operating without registration numbers or route permits.
A traffic police official, requesting anonymity, said the Regional Transport Authority had announced registration and route permits, but no practical action followed.
“The traffic system is already under pressure because of construction work. Unregulated rickshaws have made the situation worse,” the official said.
Social activist Saad Miankhel criticised the district administration and police for failing to provide relief to the public.
Some residents also expressed disappointment with former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur, under whose government the project was initiated, saying construction began without proper traffic planning.