Rawalpindi Signal-Free Corridor: Construction of three new underpasses to begin in first week of September

RAWALPINDI: Construction of three new underpasses under the Rawalpindi Signal-Free Corridor project is scheduled to begin in the first week of September.

According to sources, the underpasses will be constructed at Qasim Market Chowk, Charing Cross Chowk and Qabristan Chowk along Peshawar Road.

The shifting of electricity, gas, water and other utility services at the designated locations has entered its final stage ahead of construction. Alternative routes have also been prepared to ensure smooth traffic flow during the construction work.

Sources said the project is part of the final phase of the signal-free corridor extending from Kacheri Chowk to Chungi No. 26 and Motorway Chowk.

As part of the same project, an underpass at Golra Mor on Peshawar Road has already been completed, while underpasses and flyovers at Kacheri Chowk, TM Chowk and GPO Chowk have also been completed and opened to traffic.

Upon completion of the signal-free corridor, travel time from Kacheri Chowk to Motorway Chowk is expected to be reduced to around 20 minutes.

The project is expected to improve connectivity from Rawalpindi to Islamabad International Airport as well as to Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar and the Hazara motorways.

According to sources in the Communications and Works Department, an alternative traffic management plan will be implemented during construction to maintain the smooth flow of traffic and minimise inconvenience to commuters.