Rawalpindi’s roads are in the middle of one of the biggest overhauls in years, as a Rs 35.28 billion mega project to upgrade key routes across the city and cantonment areas shifts into top gear. Backed by the Punjab government, the plan includes four flyovers and eight underpasses, aimed at easing chronic traffic jams and creating a more “signal-free” driving experience on main corridors.
What’s Already Done?
Some relief is already visible on the ground.
• The Nawaz Sharif Flyover at Khawaja Corporation Chowk, built at a cost of Rs 4.4 billion, has been completed and opened to traffic. It’s helping streamline flow on this busy stretch.
• In Saddar, the GPO Chowk and TMA Chowk underpasses — together costing Rs 5.7349 billion — are also operational, giving commuters a smoother passage through what used to be bottleneck points.
• Work to widen, redesign, and carpet Adiala Road is ongoing, promising better capacity and safer travel once completed.
Major Projects in Progress: Kachery Chowk flyover, Jinnah Park flyover
The heart of the upgrade is around Kachehry Chowk, one of the city’s most congested junctions:
• The Kachehry Chowk flyover and underpass, launched on November 3 at a cost of Rs 5.974249 billion, is targeted for completion by April 30, 2026.
• The linked Jinnah Park flyover and underpass, costing Rs 4.672245 billion, are anticipated to be finished by March 30, 2026.
• On Iftikhar Janjua Road, an underpass and road expansion project worth Rs 2.688073 billion is underway and is scheduled to be completed by January 30, 2026.
Read more: Rawalpindi’s flagship 25 km signal-free corridor project will complete in April of next year
New Flyover Planned at Ammar Shaheed Chowk
At Ammar Shaheed Chowk, an underpass and expansion work has already been completed and opened. But growing traffic volumes have pushed authorities to go a step further:
• A new flyover, estimated to cost Rs 3.45 billion, is now in the planning phase.
• Its case is being processed, and construction is expected to start next year.
Signal-Free Corridor Towards the Motorway
One of the most significant outcomes of this mega project will be a largely signal-free corridor from Kachehry Chowk and Ammar Shaheed Chowk to Motorway Chowk, making certain smoother access to Islamabad International Airport and the motorway.
To achieve this, three more underpasses on Peshawar Road will kick off from December 20:
• Race Course Chowk underpass – Rs 3.091073 billion
• Qabristan Chowk underpass – Rs 2.679328 billion
• Chairing Cross underpass – Rs 2.588654 billion
These three are going to be completed within three and a half months, by March 30 next year, if timelines are maintained.
Who’s Managing It All?
All these projects are being carried out under the supervision of C&W Punjab as the executing agency. A tight target schedule has been issued for the two flyovers and three underpasses at Kachehry Chowk, with a completion window of just four and a half months once full-speed construction starts.
For now, residents may have to put up with diversions, dust, and delays — but if the plan stays on track, Rawalpindi could soon glance a much more organized, faster and safer road network, transforming daily commutes and connectivity with Islamabad and beyond.