RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government is gearing up to conduct feasibility studies on major construction projects in Rawalpindi, with underpasses at Chandani Chowk and Marrir Chowk and a flyover on IJ Principal Road.
These reports are anticipated to enter the Annual Development Program for the year 2025–26. An officer from Housing and Urban Development said the proposals were submitted by local Members of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Railways Minister, Hanif Abbasi from NA-56, and Danyal Chaudhry from NA-57.
The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has been assigned to work on the feasibility and detailed designs. Each project is proposed to have Rs. 40 million allocated for further studies.
The projects are tentatively: A single barrel underpass at Chandani Chowk to connect Rawal Road to Murree Road A Marrir Chowk underpass A two lane flyover from Siddique Chowk to IJ Principal Road broken over a total karometer block “Overall, these projects are made as signal free corridors and aimed to reduce traffic jams on major junctions of Rawalpindi,“ the official said.
“The Chandani, Marrir Chowk underpass will not just reduce travel time, but to make it safer, we will provide alternative routes to alleviate traffic on any stranded routes.“
He noted that construction would start after work had been completed on The Mall and Adiala Road. Also, the government is considering a flyover, or an underpass, at Kutcheri Chowk, and the base and feasibility studies have already been planned also.
The official emphasized that not only would there be traffic improvements, but environmental improvements and local economic activity would also follow.