RAWALPINDI:

Construction work on two underpasses and an underground pedestrian route along Rawalpindi’s Mall Road has reached 60 per cent completion, with traffic expected to resume on the corridor by June.

Launched in mid-February 2025 under the supervision of Punjab’s Communication and Works (C&W) Department, the project—executed by NESPAK and the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO)—aims to create signal-free passage between TM Chowk and Mall Plaza Chowk, along with a pedestrian tunnel between Medicine Market and the AFIC-Cantonment Board Office.

The cost of this segment stands at Rs4.38 billion.

Officials from C&W Department state that the work is progressing rapidly, with efforts underway to wrap up construction by the end of June 2025.

Once completed, these areas will see uninterrupted traffic flow, including adjustments at Shalimar Chowk to facilitate signal-free movement.

Meanwhile, the PC-1 for a major extension—flyovers and additional underpasses at the congested Kutchery Chowk—is in its final planning phase.

The project is expected to cost between Rs8 to 8.5 billion and has been included in Punjab’s Annual Development Programme (ADP) for the 2025–26 fiscal year.

Funding approval will pave the way for awarding construction contracts.

Efforts are also underway to include the proposed Rs1.5 billion Qasim Market Underpass project in the upcoming ADP.

The Qasim Market junction currently sees severe congestion, with vehicle queues often stretching up to half a kilometre during peak hours.

Currently, round-the-clock work is ongoing with a target to complete the ongoing phase within four and a half months.