QUETTA: The Balochistan High Court (BHC) has directed the authorities to reassess the proposed flyover project on Sariab Road and prepare a comprehensive and technically viable plan for its construction from the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) to the PTCL Exchange in order to ease growing traffic congestion and improve commuting facilities for residents.
The directives were issued by a two-member bench comprising Chief Justice Muhammad Kamran Khan Malakhail and Justice Muhammad Najmuddin Mengal during the hearing of a constitutional petition here Tuesday. Representatives of relevant government departments, legal counsel and officials of the Quetta Development Authority (QDA) attended the proceedings, while the Deputy Project Director submitted a progress report on the Sariab Service Road and other development works.
During the hearing, the court was informed that the Provincial Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the fiscal year 2026-27 includes a 600-metre flyover scheme extending from the Geological Survey of Pakistan to Munir Ahmed Mengal Road Chowk. Two additional proposals to expand the project are also under consideration. One envisages construction from Magsi Chowk/QDA Office Intersection to Burma Hotel, while the other proposes extending the flyover from the same point to the PTCL Exchange.
After examining the proposed scheme and alternative options, the court observed that the currently approved 600-metre flyover neither appears practically viable nor is likely to effectively address the existing traffic burden on Sariab Road. The bench noted that the alternative proposals would require shifting the starting point of the flyover up to Helper Hospital, resulting in increased project costs and raising environmental concerns.
The court therefore directed the Project Director to redesign the project and prepare a detailed, workable and technically sound proposal with the flyover starting from the Geological Survey of Pakistan and ending at the PTCL Exchange. The proposal is to be submitted before the competent authorities for approval and consideration.
The bench further instructed that the road section between the QDA Office/Magsi Chowk and the Geological Survey of Pakistan should be improved at ground level rather than through a flyover. It observed that traffic flow in the area could be enhanced through road widening and the construction of a suitable T-junction, taking into account the available land. Relevant authorities were ordered to formulate and submit a proposal in this regard and keep the court informed about progress.
The court also reviewed a progress report concerning the Sariab Service Road and storm-water drainage project. According to the report, a phased strategy has been adopted to complete the service road in three sections. Out of a total length of 15,140 metres, asphalt base-course work has been completed on 14,500 metres, while asphalt wearing-course work has been completed on 8,500 metres.
The report further stated that bridge construction has been completed and about 98 percent of the storm-water drainage system is now in place. Installation of kerbstones and pavers has reached approximately 33 percent completion, while the remaining work is in progress. However, certain obstructions at some locations are affecting the pace of completion.
The High Court also ordered that copies of its directions be forwarded to the Office of the Advocate General Balochistan for information and necessary compliance. Relevant authorities were instructed to submit progress reports on the revised proposals, while the constitutional petition was ordered to be linked with CP No. 824 of 2016 for further proceedings.