RAWALPINDI: The Punjab Communication and Works Department has started work on three new underpasses on Peshawar Road — at Race Course Park, Army Graveyard, and Chairing Cross — after completing the GPO underpass and Nawaz Sharif flyover.
According to a senior district administration official, the Punjab government has allocated funds in the Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2025-26 for the new projects: Rs2.6 billion for the Race Course Park underpass, Rs1.9 billion for the Army Graveyard underpass, and Rs1.5 billion for the Chairing Cross underpass.
The official said that the department is currently preparing PC-I (Project Concept-1) documents for these schemes, and construction is expected to begin after the monsoon season once formal approval is granted.
The government also plans to build an underpass at Kutchery Chowk, but land acquisition issues have delayed the project. In addition, a flyover is proposed in front of Jinnah Park on the old Airport Road. Both the flyover and Kutchery Chowk underpass are expected to start at the same time.
Signal-Free Corridor from Kutchery to Motorway
The official said that once the three new underpasses are completed, Peshawar and Mall Roads will become signal-free from Kutchery to Motorway Chowk. The Punjab government aims to reduce traffic congestion and travel time on Peshawar Road by creating a signal-free corridor.
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To further improve traffic flow, the local administration has been instructed to develop a new route connecting Islamabad Expressway to Motorway Chowk via Peshawar Road. This will offer an alternative to the heavily used Srinagar Highway and improve surrounding roads and intersections.
Alternative Routes to Airport and Motorway
The official noted that currently, people use two main routes to reach the New Islamabad Airport and Motorway from Rawat and nearby areas: one through Islamabad Expressway and Srinagar Highway, and the other via I.J. Principal Road, which is longer.
Once the Peshawar Road projects are complete, this corridor will offer a faster and smoother option for commuters. He added that the upcoming Rawalpindi Ring Road will also provide an alternative route in the future.
Electric Buses to Boost Public Transport
The Punjab government also plans to introduce more than 100 electric buses in Rawalpindi. These buses will operate on various city routes, including those leading to the airport and motorway. The signal-free corridor will support this initiative by ensuring smooth movement of public transport vehicles.
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Currently, the road from Rawat T-Chowk to Kutchery Chowk is already signal-free. Similarly, Pirwadhai Mor to Motorway Chowk is also free of signals. After the construction of the new underpasses, the section between Military Hospital and Pirwadhai Mor will also become signal-free, easing the flow of traffic further.
Initially, the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) was responsible for the underpass projects, but the task was later handed over to the Communication and Works Department.
The official said that survey work for the new underpasses has already started, and a consultant will be hired by the end of July to prepare the PC-I. Construction is likely to begin after the rainy season ends.
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