Punjab Government Approves Rs6 Billion for Three New Underpasses on Peshawar Road
October 9, 2025
In a significant development for Rawalpindi’s urban infrastructure, the Punjab government has greenlit an ambitious project to construct three new underpasses along Peshawar Road. This Rs6 billion initiative aims to transform one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares into a signal-free corridor, addressing longstanding traffic congestion issues that have plagued commuters for years.
The project represents a major step forward in modernizing Rawalpindi’s transportation network, with construction expected to commence next month following the completion of bidding processes and preliminary arrangements. Let’s explore what this development means for residents, businesses, and the future of urban mobility in the garrison city.
1.) Strategic Locations for Maximum Impact
The three underpasses will be strategically positioned at key traffic bottlenecks along Peshawar Road. According to senior officials from the Punjab Highway Department, these critical locations include Race Course Park, Army Graveyard, and Chairing Cross.
These sites weren’t selected arbitrarily – they represent some of the most congested intersections along this vital artery. By targeting these specific chokepoints, transportation planners aim to create a seamless flow of traffic along the entire corridor, benefiting thousands of daily commuters.
The Race Course Park underpass, allocated Rs2.6 billion, will serve as a crucial link in this new transportation network. The Army Graveyard underpass, with a budget of Rs1.9 billion, addresses another major congestion point. Completing the trio, the Chairing Cross underpass has been assigned Rs1.5 billion from the provincial development funds.
Together, these structures will form part of a comprehensive plan to establish an uninterrupted traffic flow from Katcheri Chowk to Motorway Chowk, effectively transforming how people move through this densely populated urban area.
2.) Creating a Signal-Free Corridor
The vision extends beyond just building three isolated underpasses. This project forms part of a broader strategy to create a completely signal-free corridor spanning from Katcheri Chowk to Motorway Chowk.
Once completed, the new infrastructure will dramatically reduce travel times across this busy stretch. Officials project that the journey from Katcheri to Motorway Chowk could be cut to approximately 20 minutes – a significant improvement that will save commuters countless hours annually.
Both Peshawar Road and The Mall will become entirely signal-free, eliminating the stop-and-go traffic pattern that currently frustrates drivers and contributes to fuel waste, increased emissions, and economic inefficiency.
This transformation aligns with modern urban planning principles that prioritize continuous traffic flow over traditional intersection-based approaches. By removing the need for vehicles to repeatedly stop at traffic signals, the project promises to deliver smoother journeys, reduced congestion, and improved air quality.
3.) Innovative Utility Services Corridor
Beyond addressing traffic concerns, the project introduces an innovative solution to another persistent urban challenge – the disruption caused by utility maintenance work.
A dedicated utility services corridor will be established from Saddar to Pirwadhai Mor as part of the development. This specialized infrastructure will house essential services including gas pipelines, telephone cables, and electricity wires in a single, accessible channel.
This forward-thinking approach aims to eliminate the recurring problem of road excavation for utility repairs or upgrades. Currently, roads are frequently dug up for maintenance work, causing traffic disruptions, damaging pavement, and creating hazardous conditions for motorists.
With the new utility corridor, service providers will have designated access points for maintenance without disturbing the road surface. This integration of utilities planning with transportation infrastructure represents a more holistic approach to urban development that considers long-term sustainability and reduced maintenance costs.
4.) Funding and Timeline
The financial backing for these ambitious projects has already been secured through the Punjab Annual Development Programme 2025-26. This allocation demonstrates the provincial government’s commitment to addressing Rawalpindi’s infrastructure needs.
With Rs2.6 billion earmarked for the Race Course Park underpass, Rs1.9 billion for the Army Graveyard underpass, and Rs1.5 billion for the Chairing Cross underpass, the total investment reaches Rs6 billion – a substantial commitment to improving urban mobility.
According to Punjab Highway Department officials, construction work is scheduled to begin next month following the completion of bidding processes among government-run construction firms. The department has already submitted the PC-I (Planning Commission Proforma I) documents for these projects, indicating that the planning phase is well advanced.
The provincial government has instructed relevant departments to expedite preparations, particularly focusing on the critical first step of shifting utility services along Peshawar Road before construction begins.
5.) Expected Benefits for Commuters and Businesses
The transformation of Peshawar Road into a signal-free corridor promises numerous benefits for both commuters and businesses operating along this busy route.
For daily travelers, the most immediate advantage will be significantly reduced journey times. The current stop-start nature of traffic along Peshawar Road not only extends travel duration but also increases fuel consumption and vehicle wear. With continuous flow enabled by the new underpasses, commuters can expect more predictable journey times and lower transportation costs.
Businesses along the corridor stand to benefit from improved accessibility and reduced congestion. Commercial establishments often suffer when customers avoid areas known for traffic problems. The enhanced traffic flow should make these businesses more attractive destinations, potentially increasing customer footfall and commercial activity.
The environmental impact shouldn’t be overlooked either. Vehicles produce more emissions when repeatedly stopping and starting compared to maintaining a steady speed. By creating conditions for smoother traffic flow, the project may contribute to improved air quality along this heavily traveled corridor.
6.) Addressing Rawalpindi's Traffic Challenges
Rawalpindi has long struggled with traffic congestion issues, particularly along major arteries like Peshawar Road. The city’s rapid growth, combined with increasing vehicle ownership, has placed tremendous pressure on an infrastructure network that wasn’t designed for current traffic volumes.
These new underpasses represent a significant step toward addressing these systemic challenges. By targeting key bottlenecks and creating continuous flow corridors, planners are implementing solutions that align with modern urban mobility principles.
The approach recognizes that simply widening roads or adding more signals often fails to resolve congestion in the long term. Instead, grade-separated intersections like underpasses and flyovers can more effectively manage traffic by allowing different streams to flow without interference.
Officials emphasized that these developments mark a crucial milestone in tackling Rawalpindi’s chronic traffic problems and delivering smoother, faster connectivity across the city.
7.) Conclusion
The Punjab government’s approval of Rs6 billion for three new underpasses along Peshawar Road signals a significant commitment to modernizing Rawalpindi’s urban infrastructure. By addressing key congestion points at Race Course Park, Army Graveyard, and Chairing Cross, this initiative aims to transform one of the city’s busiest corridors into a signal-free route.
The project’s innovative inclusion of a dedicated utility services corridor further demonstrates a forward-thinking approach that considers long-term sustainability and maintenance efficiency. Combined with other simultaneous infrastructure developments, these underpasses promise to deliver meaningful improvements to urban mobility in Rawalpindi.
As construction is set to begin next month, residents and commuters can look forward to a future with reduced travel times, smoother traffic flow, and enhanced connectivity across the city. This comprehensive infrastructure upgrade represents an important step in Rawalpindi’s ongoing development as a modern, efficient urban center.
FAQs
The three underpasses will be built at:
Race Course Park
Army Graveyard
Chairing Cross
The main objectives are:
To ease traffic congestion on Peshawar Road, one of Rawalpindi’s busiest arteries.
To create a signal-free corridor from Katcheri Chowk to Motorway Chowk, which—in theory—should reduce travel times significantly.
To reduce repeated road digging and maintenance disruptions by introducing a dedicated utility services corridor for pipelines, electricity, telephone lines, etc
Funds have been allocated under the Annual Development Programme 2025-26 as follows:
Race Course Park underpass: Rs2.6 billion
Army Graveyard underpass: Rs1.9 billion
Chairing Cross underpass: Rs1.5 billion
Work is expected to begin next month after bidding, preparation, and shifting of utility services are completed.
Once completed, officials expect travel from Katcheri Chowk to Motorway Chowk via Peshawar Road (and The Mall) to take about 20 minutes, thanks to the signal-free corridor.
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