The Punjab government has given the green light for a major infrastructure project in Rawalpindi, approving the construction of three new underpasses along Peshawar Road. With a total estimated cost of Rs. 6 billion, the project aims to create a signal-free corridor, significantly easing traffic congestion in the city. Construction is set to begin next month after the bidding and preparatory work are finalized.
The underpasses will be built at Race Course Park, Army Graveyard, and Chairing Cross. This initiative is a key part of a larger plan to establish a smooth, uninterrupted traffic flow from Katcheri Chowk all the way to Motorway Chowk.
A new utility services corridor will also be a part of the project, running from Saddar to Pirwadhai Mor. This corridor will house all gas pipelines, telephone cables, and electricity wires, preventing the frequent and disruptive digging of roads for utility maintenance.
Funding has already been secured through the Punjab Annual Development Programme 2025-26, with specific allocations for each underpass: Rs2.6 billion for Race Course Park, Rs. 1.9 billion for Army Graveyard, and Rs. 1.5 billion for Chairing Cross.
Once completed, officials expect the new underpasses to slash travel time from Katcheri to Motorway Chowk to just 20 minutes, making Peshawar Road and The Mall completely signal-free.
Other Key Projects Underway
In addition to the Peshawar Road underpasses, three other long-awaited projects are scheduled to start next month: the Katcheri Chowk flyover and underpass, the Jinnah Park underpass, and the Ammar Chowk flyover. The provincial government has instructed all relevant departments to accelerate utility shifting and land acquisition so that construction on all these projects can begin simultaneously.
Rana Qamar Ali, Executive Engineer of the Punjab Highway Department, confirmed that preparations are nearly complete, stating, "The provincial government has instructed us to make arrangements to begin work immediately, starting with the shifting of services on Peshawar Road.” These projects are a major step toward tackling Rawalpindi's notorious traffic issues and creating faster, more efficient connectivity for the city's residents.
