ISLAMABAD: The Punjab government has launched a comprehensive infrastructure initiative to make The Mall in Rawalpindi completely signal-free from Katcheri Chowk to Motorway Chowk.
The Housing and Urban Development Department has been directed to begin surveying the area for underpasses and flyovers aimed at easing traffic congestion.
A senior official confirmed that the entire project will be executed in multiple phases to minimize disruption to daily commuter movement and ensure smooth implementation.
The first phase of construction will begin at Katcheri Chowk as soon as the ongoing GPO Underpass project is completed.
Phased Construction and Allocated Budget
The development of the Katcheri Chowk Underpass and related road widening has been estimated to cost Rs. 4.450 billion, with Rs. 160 million already allocated in Punjab’s new fiscal year starting July 1.
Additional major infrastructure projects planned include the Rs. 2.6 billion Race Course Underpass, the Rs. 1.5 billion Chairing Cross Underpass (with Rs. 54 million allocated this year), and the Rs. 1.9 billion
Army Graveyard Chowk Underpass (Rs. 68 million allocated).
These underpasses aim to streamline traffic flow and enhance connectivity across Rawalpindi’s busiest road corridors.
Flyovers to Complement Urban Mobility
In addition to the underpasses, two major flyovers are also planned.
These include the Rs. 4.150 billion Jinnah Park Flyover, with Rs. 149 million set aside for initial development, and the Rs. 3.450 billion Ammar Chowk Flyover, which has received Rs. 124 million in the new budget.
Officials have confirmed that consultants will be hired to carry out feasibility studies and prepare PC-I documents before any physical construction begins.
This signal-free corridor project is expected to significantly reduce traffic delays and enhance road safety, marking a major step toward modernizing Rawalpindi’s urban transport infrastructure.
