Rawalpindi’s Peshawar Road Set for Signal-Free Makeover

News Desk 

Rawalpindi: Peshawar Road in Rawalpindi is set for a major traffic overhaul as initial work begins on three underpasses at key congestion points under the Punjab government’s Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2025–26.

The underpasses, to be constructed at Army Graveyard Chowk, Charing Cross and Race Course Chowk, aim to create a signal-free corridor from Ammar Chowk to the Motorway entrance at Chungi No. 26, significantly easing traffic flow along one of the city’s busiest arteries.

The projects are expected to benefit nearly two million residents and around 250,000 daily commuters, according to official estimates.

As per details shared with APP, the Race Course Chowk underpass, with an estimated cost of Rs 3.091 billion, will handle over 250,000 vehicles per day. Connecting Qasim Market, Range Road and surrounding densely populated areas with Peshawar Road, the project comprises a single-barrel, two-lane underpass measuring 1,886 feet in length, 31.5 feet in width and 18 feet in height, along with 2.90 kilometres of road rehabilitation, reconstruction, widening and improvement.

The Army Graveyard Chowk underpass, located northward along Peshawar Road, carries a project cost of Rs 2.679 billion. Designed to manage 181,799 vehicles daily, it will feature a single-barrel, two-lane structure measuring 1,706 feet long, 31.5 feet wide and 18 feet high, with 1.93 kilometres of associated road works. The site lies approximately five kilometres from Katchery Chowk towards Peshawar.

Meanwhile, the Charing Cross underpass, estimated at Rs 2.958 billion, will have similar design specifications, measuring 1,706 feet in length, 31.5 feet in width and 18 feet in clear height. The project includes 2.99 kilometres of road rehabilitation, reconstruction, widening and improvement.

Additional features of the projects include U-turn facilities adjacent to each underpass, enabling smooth movement to and from GT Road.

Speaking to APP, Rana Qamar Ali, Executive Engineer (EXEN), Punjab Highways, said all three underpasses are targeted for completion by June next year.

“These projects collectively aim to transform the Peshawar Road corridor into a seamless, signal-free route and enhance urban connectivity,” he said, adding that a camp office has been established at the site and necessary machinery has been deployed.