By Hamza Rehman
RAWALPINDI, Dec 21 (APP): Rawalpindi, long crippled by chronic traffic congestion, is undergoing a massive transformation through ambitious infrastructure projects initiated by the Punjab government.
A comprehensive Rs.33.0 billion initiative aims to convert the city into a signal-free corridor, featuring flyovers and underpasses at key bottlenecks. Credit goes to CM Maryam Nawaz for her keen interest in development projects and her special oversight.
Commissioner Rawalpindi Engineer Aamir Khattak recently confirmed that the mega projects are progressing smoothly and on track for timely completion. During a high-level review meeting, he was briefed on the developments designed to resolve longstanding traffic issues.
The projects include flyovers and underpasses at Kachehri Chowk, Jinnah Park, Iftikhar Janjua Road, Annexe Road, remodeling of Ammar Chowk, and three underpasses on Peshawar Road at Race Course Ground, Army Graveyard Road, and Chairing Cross.
Addressing concerns over escalating traffic and illegal parking, a Rs.1.6 billion parking plaza is under construction in Jinnah Park’s unused land. Cost breakdowns reveal Rs.3.9 billion for Annexe Chowk, Rs.5.9 billion for Kacheri Chowk, Rs.2.6 billion for Iftikhar Janjua Chowk, plus the parking facility. Five additional parking sites in Saddar and Cantonment areas have been identified, with proposals submitted, the commissioner informed.
Core elements like Kachehri Chowk remodeling target completion by May 31 next year. Initial work on Peshawar Road underpasses has begun, with camp offices established and technical investigations underway.
Peshawar Road, a vital artery, is set for a traffic revolution. Three multi billion rupees underpasses at Army Graveyard Chowk, Charing Cross, and Race Course Chowk form part of the 2025-26 Annual Development Program. These will create a signal-free route from Ammar Chowk to Motorway entrance at Chungi No.26, benefiting nearly 2 million residents and 250,000 daily commuters.
The Race Course Ground underpass, the location known as Qasim Market costing Rs.3.091 billion, handles 250,736 vehicles daily. It features a single-barrel, two-lane structure 1,886 feet long, 31.50 feet wide, and 18 feet high, plus 2.90 km of road rehabilitation.
The Army Graveyard Chowk underpass, at Rs.2.679 billion, manages 181,799 vehicles daily with similar dimensions: 1,706 feet long, and includes 1.93 km road improvements.
Charing Cross underpass, costing Rs.2.9 billion, mirrors the design with 1,706 feet length and 2.99 km road works. Each includes a U-turn for GT Road access, details as per official briefs with APP.
Rana Qamar Ali, Executive Engineer (EXEN), Punjab Highways, said that all three underpasses will be completed by June next year.
“These projects collectively aim to transform the Peshawar Road corridor into a seamless, signal-free route and increase connectivity,” he confirmed to APP.
Earlier, timely completed GPO Underpass and TM Chowk remodeling have started contributing their role but will enhance their effect once Peshawar Road troika projects will join them. Camp offices and machinery are deployed on site nearing Race Course Ground.
Also, Nawaz Sharif Flyover on Adyala Road has turned travel into an uninterrupted journey, linking the city to the upcoming Ring Road.
In a boost to the flagship Rawalpindi Ring Road, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has already directed expeditious work on the project and expansion of its scope. Delayed, but the 38 km project will solve long-standing traffic problems, boost economic activities, and ease travel for millions. Details include five interchanges at Banth, Chak Beli Khan, Adyala Road, Chakri Road, and Thallian; two river bridges, seven stormwater bridges, one railway bridge, 11 overpasses, 10 underpasses, and 53 culverts. The project will spur development in real estate, educational institutions, and small industries.
Appreciating Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for gifting these historic mega projects to Rawalpindi, residents and traders, however, are demanding further improvement plans specifically for Murree Road, the city’s main socio-economic hub. They particularly seek urgent measures to address severe congestion at Liaqat Bagh Chowk, which connects Marir Chowk and Tipu Road, often resulting in stationary traffic from afternoon till late evening. Traders have expressed deep concerns over this bottleneck trio of areas Marir Chowk, Tipu Road, and Liaqat Bagh, that requires the government’s special attention.
While the government is planning to add more lanes on the main Murree Road from Liaqat Bagh towards Waris Khan, citizens emphasize that this does not directly tackle the critical congestion points at the Liaqat Bagh-Marir-Tipu intersection, calling for targeted interventions there.
Punjab government’s interconnected projects signal a pivotal shift, promising reduced congestion, enhanced connectivity, and economic growth for Rawalpindi’s commuters. Last but not least, the timing of project launch and completion time reflect the government’s commitment for public driven facilities.
