Months of Delays Expected As Rawalpindi Road Upgrade Stalled
Work on the Soan‑Sihala‑Kahuta Road, a key route linking Rawalpindi with Kahuta and onward to Rawalakot and Kotli in Azad Jammu & Kashmir, has barely moved forward despite significant federal funding, according to The Express Tribune. Six months into the 2025‑26 fiscal year, only a two‑kilometre stretch between Kahuta Y‑Cross and Hothla Stop has been upgraded to a dual carriageway.
The project, allocated Rs23.845 billion in the current federal budget and previously approved by ECNEC in July 2023, has stalled with no work yet started on the remaining 26.4 kilometres. Construction of a critical overhead bridge at the Sihala railway crossing also remains uninitiated.
Traffic chaos and commuter challenges
Delays have compounded congestion and safety issues along the existing route, with commuters reporting long queues at the railway crossing and extended travel times. Local stakeholders and residents argue that completing the dual carriageway and railway overpass could cut journey times and ease traffic towards Azad Kashmir.
Transport analysts note these setbacks mirror broader road project execution challenges across the region, where funding bottlenecks and administrative delays have hindered delivery on infrastructure commitments.
PakWheels has been following the development progress and flagged slowed progress on other major schemes, including the Rawalpindi Ring Road and broader road network enhancements.
Funding dynamics and NHA’s stance
Officials from the National Highway Authority (NHA) say the slow pace on Package One of the Kahuta road upgrade stems from the Punjab government’s delayed release of funds, and work will begin once the tranche is received. Package Two, under NHA jurisdiction, is reportedly in motion with an expectation of acceleration before March 31, 2026.
