Punjab Province

Rawalpindi: [ReNews Pakistan]
Rawalpindi is set to witness a major expansion of its road infrastructure as authorities move forward with several new projects aimed at improving traffic flow and extending the city’s signal free corridor network.
According to officials, three new underpasses will be constructed on Peshawar Road at Qasim Market Chowk, Qabristan Chowk, and Charing Cross Chowk. The projects are designed to reduce congestion at some of the city’s busiest intersections and provide smoother movement for commuters traveling within Rawalpindi and toward Islamabad.
Officials said that after the completion of these underpasses, a fully signal-free corridor will become operational from Maraka-e-Haq Square to Motorway Chowk. The corridor is expected to significantly improve traffic movement toward Islamabad International Airport, Peshawar, Lahore, and the Hazara Motorway.
In addition to the three underpasses on Peshawar Road, several other projects are also under consideration. These include an underpass at AFIC Chowk, a flyover at Ammar Shaheed Chowk, and another underpass at Ninth Avenue to connect Double Road with Islamabad.
Authorities said the planned projects are part of a broader strategy to modernize Rawalpindi’s road network and address the growing traffic pressure in the twin cities.
With rapid urban expansion and increasing daily vehicle movement, officials believe that new grade-separated infrastructure has become necessary to reduce delays and improve connectivity.
The signal free corridor is expected to serve more than 200,000 vehicles daily once the new infrastructure is completed. Officials said the improved route will not only benefit local commuters but also support intercity traffic moving toward major motorways and key regional destinations.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan]
Lahore Development Authority Director General Tahir Farooq visited three major development projects currently under way in the provincial capital and reviewed the pace, quality and overall progress of construction work in detail.
The LDA DG inspected the Data Darbar Expansion Project, the under construction Bhati Chowk Underpass, the Nasser Bagh Underground Parking Plaza and the Neela Gumbad Underground Parking Plaza. During the visit, TEPA Chief Engineer Iqrar Hussain and the relevant project directors briefed him on the current status of the schemes, construction phases and upcoming targets.
According to the briefing, work on the Neela Gumbad Underground Parking Plaza is progressing simultaneously on all three basements. The roof work of basement three has been completed up to 80 percent, basement two up to 65 percent, while 15 percent of the roof work on the basement one has also been completed. Officials said the project, once completed, would help reduce parking problems in the city’s central business district.
Regarding the Nasser Bagh Underground Parking Plaza, officials informed the DG that 49 percent of the overall work has been completed. Fifty percent of the roof work on the basement one has been finished, while construction activity is also continuing simultaneously on basement two. The completion of the project is expected to significantly improve parking facilities around Nasser Bagh, The Mall and adjoining areas.
Tahir Farooq also reviewed construction work on the Data Darbar Expansion Project and the Bhati Chowk Underpass. He was informed that 35 percent excavation work on the Bhati Chowk Underpass has been completed, while the roof of the underpass barrel has also been laid. Officials said the Bhati Chowk Underpass project is now 46 percent complete overall.
The LDA DG directed the contractor of the Bhati Chowk Underpass to further speed up work, stressing that there would be no compromise on construction quality along with timely completion of the projects. He also inspected ongoing work on the pedestrian underpass, toilet block and pedestrian zone.
Tahir Farooq instructed the relevant officers to strictly monitor progress on all three projects and review the pace of work on a daily basis. He also directed NESPAK to regularly monitor construction quality and submit monitoring reports so that the projects can be completed on time in accordance with the required standards.

Rawalpindi: [ReNews Pakistan]
Maarka e Haq Square in Rawalpindi, formerly known as Kachehry Chowk, has been opened for traffic following the completion of a major remodelling project. The project is aimed at reducing traffic pressure at one of the city’s busiest intersections and providing improved commuting facilities to citizens.
Completed within six months, the project includes the construction of three underpasses and three flyovers to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow. The upgraded junction is expected to provide significant relief to commuters who had long been facing traffic congestion around Kachehry Chowk and its adjoining routes.
Chief Traffic Officer Rawalpindi Farhan Aslam said the opening of Maarka e Haq Square for traffic marks an important milestone in the city’s traffic infrastructure. According to him, more than 200,000 vehicles will now be able to pass through the intersection daily without major disruption.
The CTO said that during the construction phase, traffic was diverted to alternative routes under a comprehensive traffic management plan. He noted that keeping more than 200,000 vehicles moving through alternate routes on a daily basis during the project was a major challenge, but effective planning and coordinated strategy helped prevent serious traffic issues across the city.
Farhan Aslam said more than 750 traffic police officers and personnel performed round-the-clock duties during the remodelling work to maintain smooth vehicular movement and guide citizens regarding temporary diversions.
He added that citizens were continuously kept informed about route changes, closures and diversions through social media and other communication platforms.
The CTO appreciated the services of traffic police personnel and thanked citizens for their patience, cooperation and tolerance during the construction period. He said Rawalpindi Traffic Police would continue its efforts to provide better traffic facilities and further improve road safety for citizens.