Pindi to get Rs150b infrastructure boost

Plan includes 13 major projects aimed at transforming the city into signal-free corridor

RAWALPINDI:

The Punjab government has approved a record-breaking Rs150 billion development package for Rawalpindi under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2025-26—the largest investment in the city's history. Aimed at resolving chronic traffic congestion, 13 major infrastructure projects will be executed by the Highway Division Rawalpindi to transform the city into a signal-free corridor.

The initiative, aligned with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's vision of a modern Punjab, includes the construction of underpasses, flyovers, and road expansions across key intersections. Once completed, the corridor will provide uninterrupted travel from T-Chowk on GT Road through the cantonment areas, linking Peshawar Road and the motorways on one end, and Islamabad Expressway to Kachehri Chowk on the other.

Engr Raja Qamarul Islam, MNA and Chairman of the District Coordination Committee, stated that Rs29.9 billion worth of new schemes would significantly improve travel flow across Rawalpindi.

Key allocations include: Race Course Underpass – Rs2.6 billion (Rs54 million released), Chairing Cross Underpass – Rs1.5 billion (Rs54 million released), Army Graveyard Chowk Underpass – Rs1.9 billion (Rs68 million released), Kachehri Chowk Flyover & Underpass – Rs4.45 billion (Rs160 million released), Jinnah Park Flyover – Rs4.15 billion (Rs149 million released), Ammar Chowk Flyover – Rs3.45 billion (Rs124 million released), Iftikhar Janjua Road Underpass – Rs1.93 billion (Rs69 million released), COD Chowk Underpass – Rs3.75 billion (Rs135 million released), Tulsa Road Underpass (Adiala) – Rs1.69 billion (Rs61 million released).

Rana Qamar Ali, Executive Engineer of the Highway Department, confirmed that site surveys and interdepartmental coordination have already begun.

He added that six new underpasses are planned along Peshawar Road, while the GPO Underpass and Nawaz Sharif Flyover on Adiala Road are among the initial high-impact projects.

The development drive also includes regional road rehabilitation, such as upgrades from Mahil Malkan to Dhoke Baba Buland in Kallar Syedan and widening roads from Akbar Chowk to Thalian and Marble Factory Road.

Raja Qamarul Islam noted that Murree Road's decongestion through the Metro Bus Project offers a blueprint for success. He emphasized that new flyovers and underpasses will resolve bottlenecks at Kachehri Chowk, Ammar Chowk, and Jinnah Park, improving connectivity to Mall Road, Adiala Road, and beyond.

CM Maryam Nawaz has directed all departments to ensure strict adherence to timelines and quality standards. The plan is expected to significantly boost economic activity by improving access to business districts and reducing logistics costs.

President of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), Usman Shaukat, praised the initiative but stressed the need for pedestrian-friendly, climate-conscious designs. "This should not only ease traffic but also support sustainable urban living," he said.

The Rawalpindi package, if successfully implemented, could serve as a model for similar urban upgrades across Punjab.