By Rawalpindi is gearing up for a major infrastructure transformation as the long-awaited Kutchery Chowk remodeling project—worth Rs. 6.494 billion—is set to break ground next month. The project aims to resolve chronic congestion at one of the city’s busiest intersections, which handles over 250,000 vehicles daily.
Preparatory work has already begun, with the Punjab Highway Department carrying out land marking to set the stage for construction.
Key Directives and Planning
A progress review meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema outlined important steps to move the project forward. Highlights included:
- Utility providers such as SNGPL, IESCO, PTCL, WASA, and cantonment boards were instructed to provide cost estimates for relocating their infrastructure.
- Officials confirmed that 36 kanals of land will be required, most of which is already state-owned, tied to institutions like Fatima Jinnah Women University, the Pakistan Army, the commissioner’s office, and the income tax department.
- The deputy commissioner stressed the importance of traffic planning during construction, directing the highway department to share traffic counts with the police for smooth diversions.
According to Masab Ali, Sub-Divisional Officer of the Highway Department, the project will span 2.5 kilometers. The first phase—utility shifting—will begin within a week.
Part of a Signal-Free Corridor
The Kutchery Chowk project is a cornerstone of the larger signal-free corridor from Koral Chowk to Motorway Chowk, designed to improve Rawalpindi’s traffic flow. It is also part of a broader infrastructure package approved by the Punjab government on August 11, which includes:
- Remodeling of Kutchery Chowk
- Construction of an underpass at Iftikhar Janjua Road
- Development of a flyover and underpass at Jinnah Park Chowk
Transforming Rawalpindi’s Commute
Once completed, the remodeled Kutchery Chowk will significantly reduce gridlocks, cut travel times, and improve connectivity across the city. For Rawalpindi—grappling with rapid urban growth and rising traffic volumes—this project is not just about easing congestion. It represents a strategic shift toward modern, signal-free commuting that will benefit hundreds of thousands of daily travelers.
