Rs. 8 Billion Underpasses on Peshawar Road Set to Start Construction in January – Major Upgrade for Rawalpindi’s Traffic
Rawalpindi is set to witness a major transformation in its urban traffic system as the Punjab Communication and Works Department (C&W) prepares to start construction on three new underpasses on Peshawar Road in January. The initiative, costing Rs. 8 billion, is part of the government’s long-term vision to build a complete signal-free corridor between Ammar Chowk and Motorway Chowk, easing congestion for hundreds of thousands of daily commuters.
The project will be carried out by the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), which has already been working on the massive remodeling of Kutchery Chowk—a project valued at Rs. 14 billion. The new underpasses form an important segment of a much larger Rs. 30 billion traffic improvement plan for Rawalpindi.
This article explains the complete project details in simple English, including underpass locations, construction timeline, traffic diversion plans, expected benefits, related infrastructure upgrades, and high-ranking Google keywords such as Rawalpindi underpasses, Peshawar Road underpass construction, signal-free corridor Rawalpindi, FWO Rawalpindi projects, Ammar Chowk flyover, Kutchery Chowk project, etc.
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Why New Underpasses Are Needed – 250,736 Vehicles Use Peshawar Road Daily
Peshawar Road is one of Rawalpindi’s busiest and most essential routes. It connects:
- Saddar
- Westridge
- GHQ surrounding areas
- Chaklala Cantt
- Golra zone
- Motorway interchanges
- Islamabad through multiple connecting points
According to official data, an astonishing 250,736 vehicles use this corridor every day. These include:
- Private cars
- Buses
- Trucks
- Vans
- Rickshaws
- Motorcycles
- Army vehicles
The intersections at Race Course Park Square, Army Graveyard Square, and Chairing Cross frequently experience severe traffic jams, especially during peak hours. Long queues form regularly, causing:
- Delays in office and school travel
- Increased fuel consumption
- Road accidents
- Pollution and smoke emissions
- Wasted time for commuters
- Economic losses for businesses
The three new underpasses are expected to eliminate these traffic bottlenecks permanently.
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Three Major Underpasses Included in the Project
The three new underpasses are strategically placed to remove all major traffic signals along Peshawar Road.
1. Race Course Park Square Underpass
This intersection is close to residential and military areas. It handles heavy traffic from Saddar, Westridge, and the Race Course locality. The underpass will ensure uninterrupted flow without stopping at signals.
2. Army Graveyard Square Underpass
This area constantly remains crowded due to funeral routes, intercity buses, and heavy vehicles moving toward Golra and the Islamabad interchanges.
3. Chairing Cross Underpass
A major choke point where traffic heading toward Westridge, Haji Camp, and Motorway Chowk merges. The underpass will significantly reduce congestion.
These underpasses are part of the government’s effort to convert Peshawar Road into a fully signal-free urban corridor.
Construction to Start in January – Work Orders Issued in December
Officials have confirmed the following timeline:
- Work orders for FWO will be issued in December
- Groundbreaking will take place in January
- Official construction work will begin the same month
- The estimated completion time is three months
This fast timeline is possible because:
- FWO has already completed the surveys
- Soil testing is done
- Machinery and equipment are prepared
- Traffic diversion plans are being finalized
Traffic Diversion Plan to Be Finalized Before Construction
The C&W Department has ordered the Rawalpindi Traffic Police to prepare a comprehensive diversion plan by the end of December. The plan will include:
- Temporary alternate routes
- Dedicated lanes for heavy vehicles
- Detour signs and warning boards
- Traffic wardens deployed 24/7
- Restrictions during peak hours if needed
- No-obstacle policy on service lanes
Because the area is used by civilians, military traffic, emergency services, and commercial vehicles, the diversion plan will be designed to ensure minimum disruption.
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Part of a Larger Rs. 30 Billion Signal-Free Corridor Plan
Executive Engineer Rana Qamar Saqib confirmed that the three underpasses represent only one segment of a much larger development initiative for Rawalpindi. The full project includes:
■ Rs. 14 Billion – Kutchery Chowk Remodeling
One of the city’s most complex intersections.
■ Rs. 6 Billion – GPO Chowk Underpasses
Designed to ease pressure on Saddar and Mall Road.
■ Rs. 8 Billion – New Peshawar Road Underpasses
The latest addition to the mega project.
■ Rs. 3.450 Billion – Proposed Ammar Chowk Flyover
PC-I is under preparation and construction will follow soon.
Once complete, this corridor will allow vehicles to travel from Ammar Chowk to Motorway Chowk without stopping at a single signal.
How the New Underpasses Will Improve Traffic Flow
The underpasses will change the way Rawalpindi moves. Key improvements include:
✔ Zero Traffic Signals
Vehicles will pass straight through the highway without stopping.
✔ Shorter Travel Time
A journey that currently takes 25–35 minutes may reduce to just 5–8 minutes.
✔ Reduced Road Accidents
Signals, abrupt stops, and sudden lane changes cause accidents.
✔ Lower Fuel Consumption
Vehicles won’t idle at long queues.
✔ Environmental Benefits
Reduced emissions and improved air quality.
✔ Improved Access for Businesses
Smoother commercial transport and movement of goods.
Impact on Residents and Businesses
Local residents and businesses along Peshawar Road will greatly benefit from the project:
For Residents
- Shorter commuting times
- Smoother school and office travel
- Less noise and air pollution
For Businesses
- More consistent customer flow
- Faster delivery and logistics services
- Reduced operation costs
For Public Transport
- Buses and wagons will move faster
- Less congestion at bus stops
- Improved travel experience
Why January Start Date Was Selected
Officials stated several reasons for choosing January:
- Winter weather supports fast excavation
- Road traffic is lighter after the new year
- Preparations for Ramadan must be completed early
- FWO’s availability with completed prior projects
- Budget allocations for FY 2025–26 are finalized
This timing ensures minimal disturbance and faster project completion.
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Future Vision: Making Rawalpindi Signal-Free
The long-term vision is to develop Rawalpindi into a modern, accessible, and traffic-efficient city. Other major projects planned next include:
- Ammar Chowk flyover
- Additional underpasses in Saddar
- Improved intersections near PAF Base
- Expansion of Mall Road lanes
- Intelligent traffic management systems
All these developments will work together to reduce congestion and support Rawalpindi’s rapidly growing population.
Conclusion About Peshawar Road Underpasses Rawalpindi:
The Rs. 8 billion underpasses on Peshawar Road mark a major step forward for Rawalpindi’s infrastructure. Starting in January, the three strategically located underpasses will address long-standing traffic problems, benefiting over 250,000 daily commuters.
Combined with the Rs. 30 billion signal-free corridor, the project will reshape how Rawalpindi moves—making travel faster, safer, cleaner, and more efficient. With FWO’s expertise and the government’s commitment, the city is set for a significant urban transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will construction of the Rs. 8 billion underpasses on Peshawar Road start?
Construction will officially begin in January, with work orders being issued to the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) in December.
2. How many underpasses are included in this Rawalpindi project?
The project includes three major underpasses at:
Race Course Park Square
Army Graveyard Square
Chairing Cross
3. What is the total cost of the new Peshawar Road underpasses?
The underpasses are part of an Rs. 8 billion project, included within a larger Rs. 30 billion signal-free corridor plan.
4. Which department is responsible for the project?
The project will be executed by the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) under the guidance of the Punjab Communication and Works Department.
5. How long will it take to complete the underpasses?
According to officials, the project is expected to be completed in three months, due to advance planning and FWO’s fast-track construction capability.
