RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government has approved the construction of three new underpasses on Peshawar Road in Rawalpindi, with a total cost of Rs6 billion. Work on the projects is expected to begin next month.
According to a media sources from the Punjab Highway Department, the underpasses will be built at Race Course Park, Army Graveyard, and Chairing Cross to help ease traffic congestion on one of the busiest routes in the garrison city.
A utility services corridor will also be developed along the road, where all gas pipelines, telephone lines, and electricity cables will be placed. “This step will stop the repeated digging of roads and make maintenance easier,” an official said.
The corridor will run from Saddar to Pirwadhai Mor, and utility companies will only be allowed to work within their designated lanes.
The government has already set aside 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 in the 2025-26 annual development budget.
— ALSO READ —
Pakistan’s first female hemophilia ward inaugurated at Karachi hospital
The Punjab Highway Department has submitted the PC-I for the projects. Construction will start after the bidding process is completed among government construction firms.
Work on three other major projects — Katcheri Chowk flyover and underpass, Jinnah Park underpass, and Ammar Chowk flyover — is also expected to begin next month once land acquisition is finalised.
Officials said that once completed, Peshawar Road and The Mall will become completely signal-free from Katcheri Chowk to Motorway Chowk, cutting travel time to about 20 minutes.
Punjab Highway Department Executive Engineer Rana Qamar Ali confirmed that preparations are in place. He said the first step will be shifting utility lines on Peshawar Road before construction begins. “These projects are vital to create a smooth and signal-free route to the Motorway,” he added.
Flood-affected families in Punjab will receive ration cards quickly
