Rawalpindi is preparing for one of its biggest urban development upgrades in recent years. The Punjab Communication and Works Department (C&W) has announced that construction on three major underpasses along Peshawar Road will begin in January, marking a major milestone in the plan to create a signal-free corridor from Ammar Chowk to Motorway Chowk.

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The mega project — valued at Rs. 8 billion — will be carried out by the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), one of Pakistan’s most experienced infrastructure bodies. This development is part of a larger Rs. 30 billion signal-free corridor strategy, aimed at reducing massive traffic congestion on one of Rawalpindi’s busiest roads.

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This article provides a full breakdown in easy English, covering project locations, timeline, traffic impact, related infrastructure upgrades, and Google SEO keywords such as Rawalpindi underpasses, Peshawar Road project, FWO underpass construction, Ammar Chowk Rawalpindi, signal-free corridor Rawalpindi, Punjab C&W department project, etc.

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Why Rawalpindi Needs These Underpasses – Daily Traffic Over 250,000 Vehicles

Peshawar Road is among the busiest arteries in Rawalpindi, connecting:

• Ammar Chowk
• Kutchery Chowk
• GPO Chowk
• Westridge
• GHQ surrounding areas
• Saddar commercial zone
• Motorway Chowk leading to the M-1 and M-2

According to government officials, around 250,736 vehicles use this stretch every day. Traffic jams at intersections like Race Course Park Square, Army Graveyard Square, and Chairing Cross are extremely common, especially during office hours.

The new underpasses will:

• Reduce travel time
• Remove long traffic signals
• Provide uninterrupted flow
• Reduce fuel consumption
• Minimize pollution
• Improve road safety

This is why the government prioritised this project under its signal-free Rawalpindi plan.

Three Major Underpasses Included in the First Phase

The Rs. 8 billion project includes three strategically located underpasses:

1. Race Course Park Square Underpass

One of the busiest intersections, especially near residential zones and Army facilities. The underpass will allow vehicles to move without stopping at traffic signals.

2. Army Graveyard Square Underpass

This location sees high traffic due to funeral processions, Saddar-bound vehicles, and heavy commercial movement.

3. Chairing Cross Underpass

This is another choke point on Peshawar Road. The underpass will remove long queues and delays toward Westridge and IJP Road connections.

Government sources confirmed that all three underpasses will break ground in January.

FWO to Lead Construction Work

The Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) has been selected as the main executing agency. FWO is already working on:

• Remodeling of Kutchery Chowk
• Construction of GPO Chowk underpasses
• Other key highway upgrades

FWO’s involvement ensures:

• Fast-track construction
• International-grade engineering
• Experience with high-pressure traffic zones
• 24/7 work cycles where needed

Officials said work orders for the new project will be issued in December, with mobilization already underway.

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Completion Timeline: Just Three Months

One of the most notable aspects of this project is the government’s estimated completion time of only three months.

Officials say the target is achievable because:

• Preparations have already started
• FWO has completed soil testing and surveys
• Machinery and workforce are available
• Road diversions will be finalized before January

This fast timeline aims to minimize traffic disruption and complete the project before the peak summer season.

Traffic Diversion Plan to Be Finalized by December

A senior official confirmed that the C&W Department has instructed the Rawalpindi Traffic Police to develop a full diversion plan by end of December.

The plan will include:

• Alternate routes for commuters
• Separate lanes for heavy vehicles
• Temporary signals where needed
• Warning boards and barricades
• 24/7 traffic wardens deployment
• Avoidance of bottlenecks at service roads

Because Peshawar Road is heavily used by the Army, civilians, schools, and intercity buses, maintaining smooth flow during construction is a major priority.

Part of a Larger Rs. 30 Billion Signal-Free Corridor Project

Punjab Highway Department Executive Engineer Rana Qamar Saqib said these underpasses are part of a much bigger vision — a Rs. 30 billion signal-free corridor that starts from:

Ammar Chowk → Kutchery Chowk → GPO Chowk → Peshawar Road → Westridge → Motorway Chowk

Previously, the government invested:

• Rs. 14 billion on Kutchery Chowk remodeling
• Rs. 8 billion on new Rawalpindi underpasses
• Rs. 6 billion on GPO Chowk underpasses
• Total: Rs. 28 billion+ already spent or allocated

The next step includes building a flyover at Ammar Chowk, estimated at Rs. 3.450 billion, for which the PC-I is being prepared.

This corridor will eventually eliminate all major traffic signals, allowing Rawalpindi residents to travel from Saddar to the Motorway in just a few minutes.

Impact on Daily Commuters and Local Businesses

With more than 250,000 vehicles passing daily, the new underpasses will have significant impact:

Benefits for Commuters

• Faster travel times
• Fewer traffic jams
• Safer road environment
• Better driving experience

Benefits for Businesses

• Improved access to commercial areas
• Faster delivery routes
• Reduced operational costs

Benefits for Environment

• Less idling at signals
• Lower fuel consumption
• Reduced emissions
• Better air quality

Local traders near Peshawar Road are hopeful that smoother traffic will increase customer flow and reduce congestion in Saddar and Westridge.

Why January Start Was Chosen

Several factors influenced the January start date:

• Weather in January is suitable for fast excavation
• Holiday season reduces peak traffic
• FWO’s schedule aligns with completion of work at Kutchery Chowk
• Government wants to complete work before Ramadan
• Budget allocations have been finalized for FY 2025–26

This timing ensures minimal inconvenience for commuters.

Ongoing & Future Projects in Rawalpindi

The underpasses are part of a broader development plan that includes:

✔ Kutchery Chowk Remodeling – Rs. 14 Billion

Almost complete, designed to remove one of Rawalpindi’s worst bottlenecks.

✔ GPO Chowk Underpasses – Rs. 6 Billion

Critical for Saddar and Mall Road traffic improvement.

✔ Ammar Chowk Flyover – Rs. 3.45 Billion

PC-I under preparation; will enhance traffic movement toward Chaklala and Airport Road.

✔ Signal-free Corridor (Complete Plan – Rs. 30 Billion)

The final vision is to create Rawalpindi’s first fully signal-free North-South corridor.

Why Rawalpindi Is Investing in Massive Infrastructure Projects

Rawalpindi is one of Pakistan’s fastest-growing urban centres with increasing:

• Population
• Vehicles
• Commercial activity
• Housing schemes
• Intercity transport

Traffic congestion costs the city:

• Millions in fuel waste
• Hours of productivity
• Higher pollution levels
• Frequent road accidents

The government believes that improving Peshawar Road is essential for regional mobility and economic growth.

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Conclusion About Rawalpindi Underpasses Project:

The Rs. 8 billion underpass project on Peshawar Road is a major step toward modernizing Rawalpindi’s traffic system and achieving a fully signal-free corridor from Ammar Chowk to Motorway Chowk. With work starting in January, the construction led by FWO aims to deliver fast, high-quality infrastructure with long-term benefits for commuters, local businesses, and the environment.

As part of a larger Rs. 30 billion plan, these underpasses will play a crucial role in shaping the future of urban mobility in Rawalpindi — creating quicker travel routes, reducing congestion, and improving the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of people.

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