Rawalpindi will begin work this month on three new underpasses along Peshawar Road, linking with ongoing Kachehri Chowk and Jinnah Park projects to create a signal-free corridor.
Kachehri Chowk Projects Near Completion by End of April
Major road infrastructure works around Kachehri Chowk are entering their final phase, with authorities targeting completion by 30 April. The under-construction Kachehri Chowk flyover and associated underpasses are part of a wider traffic management plan designed to ease congestion on key routes in Rawalpindi.
According to updates shared with the Punjab government by the Communication and Works (C&W) Department, construction on the Jinnah Park Underpass and Flyover, the Kachehri Chowk Underpass and Flyover, and the Iftikhar Janjua Road widening and underpass project is progressing around the clock in three shifts. Together, these works are being executed at an estimated cost of Rs. 13.33 billion and are expected to be opened to traffic by the end of April, subject to favourable site conditions.
Three New Underpasses Planned on Peshawar Road
In addition to the ongoing Kachehri Chowk schemes, the government has approved the construction of three more underpasses along Peshawar Road. These will be located at Qasim Market–Race Course Chowk, Qabristan Chowk and Chairing Cross Chowk. The new projects are scheduled to start in mid-February and are expected to be completed by 30 May, at an estimated cost of Rs. 8.83 billion.
Superintending Engineer C&W Rao Tahir has confirmed that utility relocation activities—covering electricity, gas, sewerage lines and the removal of trees—have already been underway for the past week. Once this enabling work is finished, formal construction will begin, starting from Chairing Cross Chowk. The first underpass on this stretch is planned to serve traffic coming from Saddar, while widening and remodelling of the main carriageway will help traffic heading towards Peshawar move more freely.
Managing Traffic During Construction on Peshawar Road
While work is carried out on Peshawar Road, authorities have decided to maintain one-way traffic flow to keep the corridor open for commuters. This means vehicles will still be able to use the route, but diversions and lane closures are likely at different stages of construction. Motorists can expect slower movement and are advised to follow on-ground signage and traffic police instructions to avoid bottlenecks.
The C&W Department has informed the Punjab government that the traffic management plan is being designed to minimise disruption while still allowing contractors to work around the clock where needed. Residents and regular road users may face temporary inconvenience, but officials argue that the long-term benefits of a signal-free, high-capacity corridor will outweigh the short-term delays.
Signal-Free Corridor From Kachehri Chowk to Motorway Chowk
Once all ongoing and planned projects are completed, Rawalpindi is expected to gain a near signal-free corridor stretching from Kachehri Chowk to Motorway Chowk. Officials say this integrated network of flyovers, underpasses and widened roads should be fully operational by June 2026, assuming work continues to progress on schedule.
The goal is to separate crossing traffic streams and remove major bottlenecks that currently slow down vehicles at key junctions along Peshawar Road. By channelling through-traffic underground or over intersections, the corridor is expected to reduce travel times, cut fuel consumption and improve overall road safety for daily commuters as well as intercity travellers heading towards the motorway.
What the Projects Mean for Residents and Commuters
For people living and working in Rawalpindi, the construction phase will require patience and careful route planning. With heavy machinery, excavation and utility shifting taking place at multiple points, travel times may increase in the short term. Those who regularly use Kachehri Chowk, Jinnah Park, Iftikhar Janjua Road or Peshawar Road should allow extra time for their journeys and consider alternative routes where possible.
In the longer run, however, the completed projects promise significant improvements. A smoother, mostly signal-free corridor from Kachehri Chowk to Motorway Chowk could ease daily congestion, support public and private transport and make access to major city landmarks and the motorway more predictable. For local businesses, better traffic flow may also translate into improved customer access and lower logistics costs. As work continues through 2025 and into 2026, residents will be watching closely to see whether the ambitious timelines and quality targets set by the C&W Department are met on the ground.
