Rawalpindi is set for one of its biggest traffic-relief projects under the Punjab government’s signal-free corridor plan. The Punjab Communication and Works Department has officially announced that construction of three major underpasses on Peshawar Road will begin in January 2026.

This massive development project, worth Rs. 8 billion, will be executed by the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO)—the same organisation currently working on Kutchery Chowk Remodeling.

These upgrades are part of a much larger Rs. 30 billion infrastructure improvement plan, which aims to convert the entire stretch from Ammar Chowk to Motorway Chowk into a completely signal-free corridor.

In this detailed article, you will find the full project breakdown, locations, costs, timeline, expected benefits, traffic impacts, public convenience measures, and future expansion plans.

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Overview of the Rs. 8 Billion Underpasses Project

The Punjab Communication and Works Department has confirmed that three new underpasses on Peshawar Road will break ground in January. These underpasses are designed to ease congestion on what is one of the busiest routes in the city.

Underpass Locations

The construction will take place at:

• Race Course Park Square
• Army Graveyard Square
• Chairing Cross

These points are currently known for heavy traffic due to:

• Daily office movement
• Army installations
• Commercial markets
• Hospitals and schools nearby
• Connecting routes from Saddar, GT Road, and Motorway

Daily, more than 250,736 vehicles use this stretch—making it one of the highest-traffic areas in Rawalpindi.

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Why Are These Underpasses Needed?

Peshawar Road has long suffered from:

• Constant rush hour traffic
• Long queues at traffic signals
• Congestion at intersections
• Delays for ambulances and emergency vehicles
• Increased pollution caused by idling vehicles

The new underpasses will:

• Create smooth, uninterrupted traffic flow
• Reduce travel time by 30–40%
• Minimize fuel consumption
• Improve air quality
• Provide safe movement for pedestrians and local residents

Project Cost Breakdown (As Announced)

Here is the cost distribution of major projects under the Peshawar Road signal-free upgrade:

✔ Kutchery Chowk Remodeling Project

• Cost: Rs. 14 billion
• Executor: FWO
• Status: Under development

✔ New Three Underpasses

• Cost: Rs. 8 billion
• Timeline: Construction starting January, completion within 3 months

✔ GPO Chowk Underpass

• Spent: Rs. 6 billion
• Status: Completed previously under the corridor plan

✔ Ammar Chowk Flyover (Upcoming)

• Estimated Cost: Rs. 3.450 billion
• Status: PC-I being prepared

✔ Total Corridor Cost

• Rs. 30 billion (complete signal-free corridor from Ammar Chowk to Motorway Chowk)

Who Will Execute the Project?

The Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) will handle the entire project.
FWO has a proven track record in:

• Islamabad Expressway expansion
• Rawalpindi ring road development
• National highways upgrades
• Multiple urban transport projects

Their involvement guarantees:

• Fast work
• Quality construction
• Modern engineering techniques
• Advanced traffic diversion planning

Construction Timeline

According to Punjab Highway Department Executive Engineer Rana Qamar Saqib:

• Work orders will be issued in December 2025
• Construction starts: Early January 2026
• Completion time: 3 months (April 2026 expected)
• Diversion plan: To be finalized by traffic police before end of December

The government is committed to minimizing disruption and ensuring smooth alternative routes.

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Traffic Diversion & Public Facilitation Plan

Traffic police are preparing a complete diversion plan that includes:

• Alternative routes through Saddar, Tench Bhatta, and Misrial Road
• Additional wardens at peak hours
• Temporary pedestrian corridors
• Emergency lanes for ambulances
• Digital signboards for real-time updates

The goal is to keep traffic flowing while construction progresses.

Expected Benefits for Rawalpindi Residents

Once completed, the underpasses will bring huge improvements:

1. Fast & Smooth Travel

No more long queues at Race Course, Army Graveyard, or Chairing Cross.

2. Reduced Travel Time

Travel time between Ammar Chowk and Motorway Chowk will reduce to just 6–8 minutes.

3. Improved Safety

Fewer traffic signals means:

• Lower accident rates
• Better pedestrian protection

4. Boost to Local Economy

Better mobility means:

• Higher business activity
• Faster goods transport
• Improved access to commercial zones

5. Enhanced Urban Development

The project aligns with Rawalpindi’s plan to modernize its infrastructure and reduce pollution.

Part of a Larger Vision for Rawalpindi

Punjab’s long-term vision includes:

• A signal-free Rawalpindi Saddar Corridor
• Integration with Islamabad through improved road links
• Reduced congestion for inter-city travelers
• Modern flyovers, underpasses, and intelligent traffic systems

This project is a major step toward that goal.

Future Expansion – Ammar Chowk Flyover

The Punjab government is also preparing the PC-I for a new Ammar Chowk flyover costing Rs. 3.450 billion.

Once completed, this flyover will:

• Merge seamlessly with the new underpasses
• Enable uninterrupted travel from Saddar to Motorway Chowk
• Reduce major bottlenecks around Chaklala Cantonment

Public Response So Far

Residents and commuters are welcoming the project because:

• Peshawar Road has become unmanageable during peak hours
• Underpasses are more effective than traditional flyovers for this terrain
• The corridor will finally provide long-term traffic relief

Social media reactions indicate strong support—especially from daily travelers, hospital visitors, and school-going families.

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Challenges Expected During Construction

Although the project is beneficial, a few temporary challenges will occur:

• Heavy machinery movement
• Temporary congestion due to diversions
• Slower traffic near construction zones
• Noise and dust in surrounding areas

However, the government has committed to:

• Nighttime construction wherever possible
• Dust control measures
• Quick execution through FWO
• Public facilitation camps

Conclusion

The Rs. 8 billion underpasses project in Rawalpindi, starting January, is a landmark development under Punjab’s long-term infrastructure plan. It will provide faster, safer, and smoother travel for over 250,000+ vehicles that use Peshawar Road daily.

Once combined with Kutchery Chowk remodeling, GPO Chowk underpasses, and the upcoming Ammar Chowk flyover, Rawalpindi will have a modern, efficient, signal-free corridor from Ammar Chowk to Motorway Chowk—something residents have needed for decades.

This initiative marks a major transformation in the city’s transportation landscape and promises long-lasting benefits for commuters and businesses alike.

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