Rawalpindi’s administration has set November 2026 as the deadline for completing two underpasses on Peshawar Road. Construction work on both projects is approximately 60% complete, according to officials.
The projects, costing Rs. 8 billion, aim to improve traffic movement along one of Rawalpindi’s busy roads. However, ongoing construction has disrupted school operations and led to the suspension of two electric bus routes.
Commissioner Directs Officials to Speed Up Construction
Commissioner Rawalpindi Salman Ghani announced the deadline during a visit to the construction sites at Race Course Chowk and Charing Cross. He directed the relevant departments to accelerate construction while maintaining quality standards.
Officials informed the commissioner that major structural work had been completed. However, excavation, drainage installation, road construction and utility shifting remain underway.
The administration has instructed the concerned departments to monitor progress and ensure the projects meet the November deadline.
Two Underpasses to Improve Traffic Flow
The Race Course Underpass will facilitate northbound traffic on Peshawar Road. Meanwhile, the Charing Cross Underpass will support southbound traffic movement.
Authorities expect the projects to improve traffic flow after completion. However, commuters continue to face difficulties because of construction activities and changes to existing traffic arrangements.
The Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) received the construction contract. The organisation has also developed an alternative road along Peshawar Road to help maintain traffic movement during the construction period.
Schools Shift to Online Classes
Construction activities have affected educational institutions located between Race Course Park and Raffay Mall. Authorities have directed these schools to conduct online classes for two months.
The decision aims to reduce difficulties for students and staff during the construction period. The affected institutions will need to adjust their academic activities while work continues in the area.
The disruption has added to the challenges faced by residents and commuters travelling through the construction zones.
Two Electric Bus Routes Suspended
Authorities have also suspended two electric bus routes because of expected traffic congestion.
The affected routes connect Saddar with Bhatta Chowk and Motorway Chowk. The suspension may inconvenience passengers who depend on these services for daily travel.
The commissioner directed officials to arrange alternative routes and improve traffic management around the construction sites. He also instructed them to control dust and minimise inconvenience for nearby residents.
Original Project Plan Revised
The original plan included three underpasses near Race Course Park, Army Graveyard and Charing Cross. Authorities later revised the plan and reduced the number to two.
Under the revised design, the proposed Army Graveyard underpass was replaced with an at-grade road crossing. The change altered the project’s original scope while retaining the two main underpasses.
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The administration is now focusing on completing the remaining construction work by November 2026. Meeting the deadline will be important for restoring normal traffic movement and reducing disruption for commuters, schools and public transport passengers across the affected areas.
