Islamabad: The recently constructed Jinnah Flyover located on T chowk connecting G T. Road to Islamabad, inaugurated merely two months ago with considerable fanfare, is already facing criticism from commuters and nearby residents due to the apparent neglect of its plantation and maintenance.
The flyover, located at T-Chowk, was built to facilitate smooth traffic flow between Rawat and the Islamabad Expressway.
At the time of its inauguration, due to the arrival of PM Shahbaz Sharif, extensive horticulture landscaping and plantation were carried out to beautify the surrounding areas, and decorative lighting was installed on the overhead structure. Music was also played on huge speakers to attract public and advertise its completion.
However, regular commuters and residents of the area say that with the passage of time, the plantation has not been maintained since the inauguration. Many of the newly planted plants are not maintained with regular cutting, pruning while wild grass has spread across the green belts, giving the area a very neglected look.
Residents say the landscaping carried out during the inauguration week appeared impressive, with lights, decorations and music highlighting the project. However, they express disappointment that the beautification has not been sustained. “During the inauguration, the flyover looked beautiful and well-maintained, but now the plants seem unattended and the green belts are overgrown with weeds,” said a commuter who travels daily from Rawat to Islamabad.
Another resident living near T-Chowk said that the decorative lights installed under the bridge have also stopped functioning. “The lighting worked during the initial days, but now most of it is not operational, which makes the flyover look dull at night.”
