Pindi doubles down on road expansion project

Construction begins on three additional underpasses along Peshawar Road

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Pindi doubles down on road expansion project

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RAWALPINDI:

Following the completion of the Kachehry Chowk Road mega infrastructure project at an escalated cost of nearly Rs19 billion - up from the original estimate of Rs13.334b - construction work has now commenced on three additional underpasses along Peshawar Road at an estimated cost of Rs8.359b.

During the initial phase, more than 80 per cent of utility relocation work has reportedly been completed, while construction of temporary alternative routes is also underway. Authorities expect the three underpasses to be completed within approximately three months.

Construction on the Kachehry Chowk project - now renamed "Marka-e-Haq Square" - began on November 3, 2025 and comprised two flyovers, three underpasses and two overhead pedestrian bridges.

Under the original estimates, the Jinnah Road underpass and flyover were projected to cost Rs4.672b, while the Kachehry Chowk underpass and flyover carried an estimated cost of Rs5.974b. The Iftikhar Janjua Road underpass and road-widening component were estimated at Rs2.688b, bringing the total projected cost to Rs13.334b.

However, following a substantial escalation in expenditures, the mega project was ultimately completed in six months and eight days at a revised cost of approximately Rs19b. The completed corridor was opened to traffic on Monday night.

Attention has now shifted to Mall Road, extending from Kachehry Chowk to Saddar, where two underpasses at TM Chowk and GPO Chowk have already been completed and opened to traffic. Authorities have now launched construction of three further underpasses at Qasim Market Chowk, Qabristan Chowk and Charing Cross Chowk.

According to sources, the Qasim Market underpass carries an estimated cost of Rs3.091b, the Qabristan Chowk underpass Rs2.679b and the Charing Cross Chowk underpass Rs2.588b, taking the combined estimated cost of the three projects to Rs8.359b.

Previously completed underpasses at GPO Chowk and TM Chowk along Saddar Mall Road reportedly cost a combined Rs5.736b.

Sources further disclosed that a proposal is also under consideration to construct a flyover at Ammar Shaheed Chowk, where an underpass and road expansion project had earlier been completed under the supervision of the Chaklala Cantonment Board. The proposed flyover is expected to cost approximately Rs3.45b.