Major Rs. 13 Billion Road Projects Make Significant Progress in Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi, Pakistan: The Punjab government has made a major leap in improving the city’s infrastructure, approving nine road development projects worth a combined Rs. 13.675 billion. The announcement came during the 81st meeting of the Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP), chaired by Barrister Nabeel Ahmad Awan, Chairman of the Planning & Development (P&D) Board.

Key officials, including Secretary P&D Dr. Asif Tufail and Chief Economist Masood Anwar, were present, highlighting the importance of these schemes aimed at enhancing connectivity, reducing traffic congestion, and boosting regional development.

Key Road Projects Approved Across Punjab

The approved projects span multiple districts, each targeting critical road improvements:

• Lahore-Jaranwala Road: Dualization from Mandi Faizabad to Mangranwala, costing over Rs1.163 billion.
• Sahiwal-Arifwala to Harappa Bypass: Rehabilitation via Malan Shah Chowk; Rs1.094 billion allocated.
• Farooqabad–Safdarabad (Sheikhupura-Sargodha Road): Extensive upgrades, projected at Rs1.511 billion.
• Safdarabad-Manawala Road: Rehabilitation work with Rs1.178 billion funding.
• Chiniot Road Restoration: From district boundary to Tahli Adda via Sial More; Rs1.941 billion.
• Sahiwal-Shahpur Road (Sargodha): Widening and enhancement at Rs1.882 billion.
• Sangla Hill–Safdarabad Road (Nankana Sahib): Rehabilitation costing over Rs1.22 billion.
• Tandlianwala–Kamalia Road: Through Zaffar Chowk and Mamukanjan; Rs1.818 billion allocated.
• Taxila–HMC Farooqia Road (Rawalpindi): Dualization project with Rs1.864 billion budget.

These projects reflect the government’s commitment to modernize road networks, enhance intercity connectivity, and reduce travel times across Punjab.

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Progress on Rawalpindi’s Mega Infrastructure Projects

Significant work is already underway in Rawalpindi to address traffic bottlenecks and create signal-free corridors:

Kachehri Flyover & Underpasses

• Base bed stabilization, guide beams, and piling work are near completion.
• Iftikhar Janjua Underpass: First full deck slab cast; 648 of 840 piles completed.

Kachehri Chowk Flyover & Underpass

• 878-meter flyover & 530-meter underpass: 101 piles completed, 4 of 11 pile caps cast, guide beams fully done.

Jinnah Park Flyover & Underpass

• 531-meter flyover: All 24 piles and five pile caps completed; steel fixing underway.
• 480-meter underpass: 391 of 446 piles driven, 300 meters of guide beams complete, capping beam and NJ barrier works in progress.

The projects aim to link the Islamabad Expressway with GT Road and Peshawar Road via the old Airport Road, creating a fully signal-free corridor.

Government’s Vision & Benefits

Rana Qamar Ali, Executive Engineer of the Punjab Highways Department, said the completion of the first full deck slab and over 70% of girders on the longest flyover has pushed the project into a high-speed phase.

Launched under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, these initiatives are part of a broader urban infrastructure drive to transform Rawalpindi’s transport system. Once completed, the projects will:

• Reduce chronic congestion at Kachehri Chowk, Iftikhar Janjua Road, Jinnah Park, Qasim Market, and Ammar Chowk.
• Cut travel times and provide smoother traffic flow.
• Improve safety and efficiency for daily commuters.

The Rs. 13.675 billion road projects mark a significant step forward in Rawalpindi’s urban development, promising modernized infrastructure, faster travel, and better connectivity. Residents can expect a safer, smoother, and more efficient commuting experience in the coming months.