Rawalpindi Division

Rawalpindi: [ReNews Pakistan]
Construction work has officially begun on three new underpasses along Peshawar Road in Rawalpindi, marking another major phase in the city’s ongoing infrastructure development drive. The project, estimated to cost Rs. 8.359 billion, has been launched following the completion of the Kachehry Chowk infrastructure project.
According to officials, the new underpasses will be constructed at three key traffic points: Qasim Market Chowk, Qabristan Chowk and Charing Cross Chowk. These locations are considered among the busiest intersections on Peshawar Road, where traffic congestion has long remained a serious challenge for commuters.
Sources said the Qasim Market underpass will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 3.091 billion, making it the most expensive component of the project. The Qabristan Chowk underpass is expected to cost around Rs 2.679 billion, while the Charing Cross Chowk underpass has been estimated at Rs 2.588 billion.
Authorities stated that more than 80 percent of the utility relocation work has already been completed before the start of major construction activity. This includes the shifting of essential service lines to clear the way for uninterrupted development work. Temporary alternative routes are also being developed to facilitate traffic movement during the construction period.
Officials said the three underpasses are expected to be completed within approximately three months. Once finished, the project is likely to reduce traffic pressure on Peshawar Road, improve travel time for daily commuters and strengthen Rawalpindi’s urban transport infrastructure.
The development is part of broader efforts to modernize the city’s road network and address increasing traffic volumes in major commercial and residential areas.

Rawalpindi: [ReNews Pakistan]
Rawalpindi is set to witness a major expansion of its road infrastructure as authorities move forward with several new projects aimed at improving traffic flow and extending the city’s signal free corridor network.
According to officials, three new underpasses will be constructed on Peshawar Road at Qasim Market Chowk, Qabristan Chowk, and Charing Cross Chowk. The projects are designed to reduce congestion at some of the city’s busiest intersections and provide smoother movement for commuters traveling within Rawalpindi and toward Islamabad.
Officials said that after the completion of these underpasses, a fully signal-free corridor will become operational from Maraka-e-Haq Square to Motorway Chowk. The corridor is expected to significantly improve traffic movement toward Islamabad International Airport, Peshawar, Lahore, and the Hazara Motorway.
In addition to the three underpasses on Peshawar Road, several other projects are also under consideration. These include an underpass at AFIC Chowk, a flyover at Ammar Shaheed Chowk, and another underpass at Ninth Avenue to connect Double Road with Islamabad.
Authorities said the planned projects are part of a broader strategy to modernize Rawalpindi’s road network and address the growing traffic pressure in the twin cities.
With rapid urban expansion and increasing daily vehicle movement, officials believe that new grade-separated infrastructure has become necessary to reduce delays and improve connectivity.
The signal free corridor is expected to serve more than 200,000 vehicles daily once the new infrastructure is completed. Officials said the improved route will not only benefit local commuters but also support intercity traffic moving toward major motorways and key regional destinations.

Rawalpindi: [ReNews Pakistan]
Maarka e Haq Square in Rawalpindi, formerly known as Kachehry Chowk, has been opened for traffic following the completion of a major remodelling project. The project is aimed at reducing traffic pressure at one of the city’s busiest intersections and providing improved commuting facilities to citizens.
Completed within six months, the project includes the construction of three underpasses and three flyovers to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow. The upgraded junction is expected to provide significant relief to commuters who had long been facing traffic congestion around Kachehry Chowk and its adjoining routes.
Chief Traffic Officer Rawalpindi Farhan Aslam said the opening of Maarka e Haq Square for traffic marks an important milestone in the city’s traffic infrastructure. According to him, more than 200,000 vehicles will now be able to pass through the intersection daily without major disruption.
The CTO said that during the construction phase, traffic was diverted to alternative routes under a comprehensive traffic management plan. He noted that keeping more than 200,000 vehicles moving through alternate routes on a daily basis during the project was a major challenge, but effective planning and coordinated strategy helped prevent serious traffic issues across the city.
Farhan Aslam said more than 750 traffic police officers and personnel performed round-the-clock duties during the remodelling work to maintain smooth vehicular movement and guide citizens regarding temporary diversions.
He added that citizens were continuously kept informed about route changes, closures and diversions through social media and other communication platforms.
The CTO appreciated the services of traffic police personnel and thanked citizens for their patience, cooperation and tolerance during the construction period. He said Rawalpindi Traffic Police would continue its efforts to provide better traffic facilities and further improve road safety for citizens.