The Punjab government has given approval for a major development initiative to turn Peshawar Road, from Kachehri Chowk to Motorway Chowk, into a signal-free corridor, with the construction of two flyovers and three underpasses at Kachehri Chowk. The project is estimated to cost Rs6.49 billion.
According to official sources, the executing agency, the Communication and Works Department (C&W), has already submitted a demand for the release of funds to the Punjab government for the Kachehri Chowk project. At the same time, the Punjab Planning and Development (P&D) Department is reviewing proposals for additional underpasses at Qasim Market, Race Course, and Charing Cross to make the entire Peshawar Road completely signal-free.
The signal-free corridor plan was initiated earlier with the first phase, in which underpasses were built at T.M. Chowk and GPO Chowk on Mall Road, and subsequently opened to traffic. Now, in the second phase, construction of two flyovers and three underpasses at Kachehri Chowk has been planned to provide uninterrupted traffic flow from Jhelum Road, Rashid Minhas Road, the VIP Route (Jinnah Park side), Peshawar Road, CMH Road, and Adiala Road. Once funds are released, the construction process will begin within the current fiscal year.
Meanwhile, the P&D Department has been presented with cost estimates for the three proposed underpasses: Rs2.8 billion for Qasim Market, Rs2.4 billion for Race Course, and Rs2.9 billion for Charing Cross. Sources indicated that after approval, work will first commence on these underpasses, and following their completion, the construction of the Kachehri Chowk flyovers and underpasses will be launched.
In preparation, the authorities have also initiated the process of land acquisition, not only of government land but also of privately-owned plots. Furthermore, all relevant departments, including the Rawalpindi and Chaklala Cantonment Boards, IESCO, WASA, MES, SNGPL, NTC, PTCL, Nayatel, and Pakistan Army, have been instructed to coordinate and facilitate the shifting of utility services so that groundwork for the mega project can move forward without delays.
After completion, the corridor will integrate with the already constructed underpass at Golra Mor, ensuring a signal-free journey from Kachehri Chowk to Motorway Chowk. This development will significantly reduce travel time for motorists heading towards the Motorway, Islamabad International Airport, and also facilitate smoother connectivity for travellers bound for GT Road, Taxila, Hasan Abdal, and Peshawar.
The ambitious project, once finalised, is expected to not only ease the heavy traffic burden of Peshawar Road but also provide long-term relief for commuters, traders, and residents by transforming one of Rawalpindi's busiest arteries into a modern signal-free corridor.
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