In a bid to give local identity to one of the busiest intersections of the twin cities, the National Highway Authority (NHA) has proposed renaming T-Chowk, located at the junction of G.T. Road and Islamabad Expressway, to Potohar Chowk.
As per NHA officials, the current name “T-Chowk” holds no geographical or cultural relevance, while the proposed name better depicts the heritage of the Potohar region, which encompasses both Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Reflecting Regional Identity
In a letter recently shared with the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the NHA highlighted that it has already completed the uplifting of the G.T. Road (N-5) from T-Chowk to Lalazar, officially designating that section as “Potohar Avenue.”
“It is therefore strongly recommended that, for the ease of commuters and to enhance local relevance, ‘T-Chowk’ be renamed as ‘Potohar Chowk,’” the letter stated. The NHA argued that the new name would provide a clearer reference for travelers while celebrating the Potohar region’s cultural significance.
Read more: T-Chowk flyover continues at a full pace and 46% work has been completed
CDA Yet to Decide
Officials from the CDA have confirmed receiving the proposal but said that no final decision has been made. “We plan to take up the matter with the interior ministry and the federal government after the completion of the ongoing flyover project,” said a senior CDA officer.
He added that the name “T-Chowk” will eventually be replaced, but the final title will be approved by the federal authorities. “We will also assign a name to the new flyover once it’s completed,” he said.
Ongoing Development at T-Chowk
The Rs 1.4 billion flyover project, inaugurated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is progressing rapidly. Approximately 52 percent of the work has been completed, with a target to finish by mid-February 2026. Officials, however, hope to complete it by January if work continues at the current pace.
Once completed, the flyover will guarantee smooth traffic flow for vehicles coming from Lahore to Islamabad, significantly reducing congestion at the junction.
Meanwhile, residents have voiced concerns about the deteriorating service road from Faizabad to Koral, which remains riddled with potholes and rutting. Thousands of commuters from Sohan, Ghouri Town, Iqbal Town, and Pindorian rely on this road daily, urging CDA to prioritize its repair alongside the flyover project.