Can Rs33bn Fix Rawalpindi’s Traffic Woes?

Hamza Rahman

Rawalpindi: Long plagued by chronic traffic congestion, Rawalpindi is witnessing a major urban transformation as the Punjab government rolls out ambitious infrastructure projects aimed at easing mobility and modernising the city’s road network.

Under a comprehensive development plan worth Rs33 billion, Rawalpindi is being converted into a largely signal-free corridor through the construction of flyovers and underpasses at key congestion points. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is being credited for her keen interest in the initiative and her close oversight of the projects.

Commissioner Rawalpindi Engineer Aamir Khattak recently confirmed that work on the mega schemes is progressing smoothly and remains on track for timely completion. During a high-level review meeting, officials briefed him on the pace of construction and measures designed to address the city’s long-standing traffic challenges.

Major components of the plan include flyovers and underpasses at Kachehri Chowk, Jinnah Park, Iftikhar Janjua Road, Annexe Road, and the remodelling of Ammar Chowk. In addition, three underpasses are being constructed along Peshawar Road at Race Course Ground, Army Graveyard Road, and Charing Cross.

To tackle growing traffic pressure and illegal parking, a Rs1.6 billion parking plaza is under construction on unused land in Jinnah Park. According to official cost estimates, Rs3.9 billion has been allocated for Annexe Chowk, Rs5.9 billion for Kachehri Chowk, and Rs2.6 billion for Iftikhar Janjua Chowk, in addition to the parking facility. Five more parking sites have been identified in Saddar and Cantonment areas, with proposals already submitted for approval.

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Core elements of the project, including the remodelling of Kachehri Chowk, are scheduled for completion by May 31 next year. Preliminary work on the Peshawar Road underpasses has also begun, with camp offices established and technical investigations underway.

Peshawar Road, one of Rawalpindi’s busiest arteries, is set to undergo a major traffic overhaul. Three multi-billion-rupee underpasses at Army Graveyard Chowk, Charing Cross, and Race Course Chowk have been included in the 2025–26 Annual Development Programme. Once completed, these projects will create a signal-free route from Ammar Chowk to the motorway entrance at Chungi No. 26, benefitting nearly two million residents and around 250,000 daily commuters.

The Race Course Ground underpass, located near Qasim Market and costing Rs3.091 billion, currently handles 250,736 vehicles daily. It features a single-barrel, two-lane structure measuring 1,886 feet in length, 31.5 feet in width, and 18 feet in height, along with 2.90 kilometres of road rehabilitation.

The Army Graveyard Chowk underpass, with a cost of Rs2.679 billion, manages traffic volumes of 181,799 vehicles per day. It spans 1,706 feet and includes 1.93 kilometres of road improvements.

Similarly, the Charing Cross underpass, costing Rs2.9 billion, follows the same design specifications, with a length of 1,706 feet and 2.99 kilometres of associated road works. Each underpass will include a U-turn facility to facilitate access to GT Road.

Officials say these projects mark a significant step towards resolving Rawalpindi’s traffic woes and improving urban mobility, as outlined in official briefings shared with APP.