Pindi eyes shuttle service for Kachehri Chowk uplift

Authorities gauge parking-free zone to ensure smooth traffic flow

RAWALPINDI:

A survey has been launched for the introduction of a shuttle service to the courts and offices of various institutions after imposing a complete ban on the parking of vehicles in the specially designated area to keep the traffic flow uninterrupted before the start of work on the plans of remodelling of Kachehri Chowk and construction of a flyover.

Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hassan Waqar Cheema issued the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) secretary instructions to demarcate a suitable area for the parking-free zone and make a preliminary estimation for the shuttle services project in collaboration with the city traffic police.

As per details, after the completion of the Ammar Chowk project, the Kachehri Chowk remodelling and flyover project is next in line. The Rawalpindi administration has already begun work on creating alternative routes to keep traffic flowing during the period of construction.

A senior officer of the Rawalpindi administration told The Express Tribune that the Kachehri Chowk connects the garrison city to the GT Road and is the busiest intersection within the twin cities.

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“This is why it was important to conduct a study on how traffic flow can remain unimpeded,” he said and added that the National Engineering Services Pakistan (Nespak) was also contacted for the purpose.

“They were asked to conduct a study and give suggestions regarding traffic management so that citizens do not have to face traffic problems once the project is started,” the officer said.

Additionally, sources confirmed that as per the orders of the deputy commissioner, the RTA secretary has begun work on demarcating the area surrounding the Kachehri Chowk as a parking-free zone.

Once the zone is declared, the district administration will allocate open space for parking on Rawalpindi-Jhelum Road and provide a shuttle service from there to the Kachehri Chowk.

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“The designation of the area surrounding Kachehri Chowk as a parking-free zone and arrangement of shuttle service for the citizens’ daily activities is under consideration before work on the remodelling project is started,” RTA Secretary Muhammad Rashid Ali told The Express Tribune.

“For this reason, a new parking space will be opened somewhere within Ayub National Park or the opposite area of Morgah. A survey is being conducted for this very purpose.”

It should be noted that Rawalpindi’s Kachehri Chowk is linked with Mall Road Saddar, Murree Road via Rashid Minhas Road, Old Airport Road, Adiala Road and Jhelum Road which connects Rawat to Rawalpindi.

It is also the main junction on the highway that leads to Islamabad, Peshawar and other cities, and through which millions of private and cargo vehicles pass daily.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 30^th, 2023.