New underpass promises signal-free travel

The long-awaited GPO Chowk Underpass on Mall Road, Rawalpindi, is scheduled to open for traffic on June 30 (tomorrow). Completed in a record four months, the Rs4.6 billion project aims to make the 26-kilometer Mall Road signal-free and significantly enhance traffic flow across the city.

Spanning 1.93 kilometres, the underpass was deemed essential to alleviate chronic traffic congestion, especially during VIP movements. The infrastructure includes 2,025 piles, 50 girders, and a fully constructed bridge, along with 20-foot-wide service roads and pedestrian footpaths on both sides.

Described as a state-of-the-art initiative, the project represents a major urban upgrade. Once operational, it will ensure signal-free travel from Saddar to Kacheri, improving overall traffic efficiency.

While the main construction has been completed, finishing touches are underway, including painting and the installation of computerized digital advertising boards.

As part of the broader beautification plan, landscaping will feature decorative grass, flowers, and over 20,000 trees, including fruit-bearing and shade-providing varieties, to be planted during the upcoming monsoon plantation campaign.

The underpass will also be monitored through CCTV surveillance to ensure public safety. Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema described the project as a model of modern urban planning, emphasising that its lighting, landscaping, and commercial impact will set a new standard.