Punjab Approves Rs. 50bn Road and Bus Plan for Rawalpindi
The Punjab government has approved a Rs. 50 billion mega uplift plan for Rawalpindi, focusing on major road infrastructure upgrades and expansion of the city’s public transport network. The projects will be monitored daily by the Chief Minister’s House to ensure timely completion.
According to Express Tribune, the initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve connectivity with Islamabad, and provide more reliable transport options for daily commuters.
Major Road Projects Across Rawalpindi
Several large-scale road development schemes are either underway or scheduled to begin in the coming months.
Katchery Chowk Remodelling
Construction of two flyovers and three underpasses at Katchery Chowk is in progress and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2026. Once finished, the project will form part of a signal-free corridor extending to Chungi 26 Motorway Chowk. This corridor is expected to ease traffic movement toward Islamabad International Airport and provide smoother access to Lahore and Peshawar.
Peshawar Road Underpasses
Three underpasses at Race Course Chowk, Qabristan Chowk, and Charing Cross Chowk are planned along Peshawar Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in February, with completion targeted for May. These underpasses aim to improve traffic flow on one of Rawalpindi’s busiest routes.
Murree Road Expansion
Murree Road will be widened by 20 feet on both sides from Liaquat Bagh to Faizabad. The plan also includes four new parking plazas and an underpass beneath the Ninth Avenue flyover. These upgrades are intended to strengthen road connectivity between Rawalpindi and Islamabad and ease congestion during peak hours.
Rawalpindi Ring Road Progress
The Rawalpindi Ring Road project is approximately 80 percent complete. The corridor, stretching from GT Road Banth to the Thalian Motorway Interchange, is expected to open by March 2026. Authorities have also proposed a new flyover at Ammar Shaheed Chowk to further improve traffic management in the area.
Expansion of Green Electric Bus Service
Alongside road development, the government plans to expand the Green Electric Bus Service across Rawalpindi district. Initially launched on four routes, the service will be extended to cover all major routes and connect tehsil headquarters.
Under the expanded plan, a fleet of 87 electric buses will operate across the district, offering commuters an affordable and environmentally friendly public transport option. The move aligns with provincial goals to reduce vehicle emissions and dependence on private transport.
Daily Monitoring and Project Oversight
To prevent delays, a daily monitoring system has been put in place, with progress reports submitted directly to the Chief Minister’s House. Officials say this approach will help resolve administrative and technical issues quickly and keep projects on schedule.
What It Means for Commuters
Once completed, the uplift plan is expected to reduce travel times, improve road safety, and provide better public transport connectivity across Rawalpindi. However, authorities have indicated that timelines may be adjusted depending on on-ground conditions and final approvals.
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