Peshawar Road Signal-free Corridor Nears Completion As Rs 8 Billion Project Progresses
RAWALPINDI: Work is progressing rapidly on the Rs eight billion project to transform Rawalpindi’s key Peshawar Road into a signal-free corridor under Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision for a modern, safe and integrated transport infrastructure.
Under the project, underpasses were being constructed at MH, Qasim Market and Charing Cross to improve traffic flow, while around 80 percent of the associated utility and infrastructure works have already been completed.
Talking to APP, a senior official of the Highway Division Rawalpindi said that supporting works, including the construction of the drainage system, relocation of electricity cables and other utility shifting, had reached nearly 80 percent completion.
He said the 18-month project included the construction of three underpasses, adding that the overall scheme was expected to be completed within the next two months once the remaining ancillary works would be finished.
The project was aimed to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow from Islamabad Expressway to Motorway Chowk.
As part of the plan, the road was being widened to five lanes on each side. Two lanes would pass through the underpasses, while the remaining three lanes would continue over the underpasses, helping maintain smooth traffic movement in different directions.
According to the Highway Department, a central base camp for heavy machinery had been established near Qasim Market, opposite the Traffic Police Office, to speed up construction and improve project supervision.
Currently, excavation work was underway for the construction of a service road from Qasim Market to Radio Pakistan Stop on the Saddar-to-Peshawar side, while work was also progressing on the service road from Rafi Mall to Lane No. 4 on the Peshawar-to-Saddar side.
Being executed under the supervision of the Punjab Highway Department, the mega project was designed to reorganize Peshawar Road through modern underpasses, dedicated service roads and upgraded road infrastructure to effectively handle future traffic demand.
The project was expected to provide improved travel facilities for thousands of daily commuters by reducing traffic congestion and travel time, particularly during peak hours.
The initiative was part of the Punjab government’s broader programme to modernize urban infrastructure, improve road networks and strengthen traffic management across the province.
Although construction activities were causing temporary traffic disruptions, local residents and commuters had welcomed the project and expressed hope that its timely completion would provide long-term relief and make Peshawar Road one of the city’s most modern highways.