RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has announced plans to construct a new underpass at Ninth Avenue Chowk on Karnal Sher Khan Road, one of the most critical arteries connecting Rawalpindi with Islamabad. The proposed infrastructure project, estimated to cost Rs. 800 million, is aimed at addressing long-standing traffic congestion at one of the busiest entry and exit points between the twin cities.
According to officials, the project has been formally prepared and submitted to the Punjab government for approval. Once clearance is granted, construction work is expected to begin promptly, providing much-needed relief to thousands of commuters who use this route daily.
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A Critical Traffic Bottleneck
Ninth Avenue Chowk has long been a pressure point in Rawalpindi’s road network. The junction serves as a major alternative route after the Faizabad Flyover and remains congested for most hours of the day due to heavy traffic volume. Vehicles traveling between Islamabad and Rawalpindi often face prolonged delays, particularly during peak office hours.
Although a flyover already exists at the intersection and allows signal-free movement toward Faizabad, traffic moving underneath the structure continues to suffer. The volume of vehicles entering and exiting the twin cities has increased significantly over the years, overwhelming the existing infrastructure and creating daily bottlenecks.
Project Cost and Approval Status
The RDA has estimated the total cost of the underpass at Rs. 800 million, covering construction, drainage infrastructure, and allied civil works. Officials confirmed that the proposal has been forwarded to the Punjab government and is currently awaiting formal approval.
Sources within the authority state that once approved, the project will be treated as a priority development initiative due to its strategic importance for intercity mobility and urban traffic management.
Technical Specifications of the Underpass
According to project details shared by the RDA, the underpass will feature the following specifications:
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Length: Approximately 1,600 feet
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Depth: 16 feet below the existing road level
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Carriageway width: 24 feet
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Current road width: 36 feet
The design has been prepared to ensure smooth, uninterrupted traffic flow while maintaining safety standards for vehicles using the underpass.
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Drainage and Flood Prevention Measures
One of the key components of the project is the construction of a dedicated pumping house. This facility will play a crucial role in managing rainwater drainage, particularly during the monsoon season when underpasses are vulnerable to water accumulation.
Officials emphasized that modern drainage solutions have been incorporated into the design to prevent flooding and ensure year-round usability of the underpass.
Why the Underpass Is Necessary
Traffic authorities have termed making Ninth Avenue Chowk signal-free as “critically important” for improving movement toward Double Road in Islamabad and Ninth Avenue in Rawalpindi. The junction acts as a gateway for thousands of commuters, commercial vehicles, and public transport units every day.
With Rawalpindi’s population expanding and vehicle ownership rising steadily, the pressure on existing roads has intensified. The proposed underpass is expected to significantly reduce travel time, fuel consumption, and congestion-related stress for commuters.
Expected Benefits for Commuters
Once completed, the underpass is expected to deliver several long-term benefits, including:
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Reduced traffic congestion at Ninth Avenue Chowk
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Faster and smoother travel between Rawalpindi and Islamabad
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Improved access to Double Road and Ninth Avenue
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Enhanced road safety through signal-free movement
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Better traffic management during peak hours
Urban planners believe the project will also support economic activity by improving connectivity between residential, commercial, and business zones in the twin cities.
Part of a Broader Urban Development Vision
The Ninth Avenue Chowk underpass is part of a broader effort by the RDA to upgrade Rawalpindi’s road infrastructure and address chronic urban mobility challenges. Similar projects in other parts of the city have already shown positive results in easing congestion and improving traffic flow.
Officials noted that infrastructure development remains a key priority as Rawalpindi continues to grow as a major metropolitan hub alongside Islamabad.
What Comes Next
The next step for the project is final approval from the Punjab government. Once sanctioned, tendering and construction phases will follow. Authorities have assured that efforts will be made to minimize disruption to traffic during the construction period.
For now, commuters remain hopeful that the long-awaited underpass will soon turn from plan to reality, offering lasting relief at one of the most congested junctions linking Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
