By The Punjab government has announced plans to complete the Rs. 14 billion Kutchery Chowk remodeling project ahead of schedule, alongside the construction of a Rs. 1.6 billion parking plaza in Jinnah Park, formerly known as Bhutto Park. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve traffic flow and address long-standing congestion issues in Rawalpindi.
Government Confirms Accelerated Timeline
Divisional Commissioner Amir Khattak shared these details during a press briefing at the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) offices on Tuesday. He was accompanied by Punjab Highway Department Superintendent Engineer Rao Tahir and other senior officials overseeing the project.
According to the commissioner, the Kutchery Chowk project was initially designed with an 18-month completion timeline under the signed agreement. However, recognizing the inconvenience caused to commuters and local businesses, the government decided to fast-track construction work.
Part of Signal-Free Corridor Project
Officials confirmed that the Kutchery Chowk remodeling project is a key component of the signal-free corridor extending from Ammar Chowk to Motorway Chowk. The large-scale infrastructure upgrade is aimed at eliminating traffic bottlenecks and ensuring smooth vehicular movement across major arteries of Rawalpindi.
The government has allocated:
- Rs. 3.9 billion for the Jinnah Park and Annexe Chowk flyover and underpass
- Rs. 5.9 billion for the Kutchery Chowk flyover and underpass
- Rs. 2.6 billion for the Iftikhar Janjua Chowk underpass
The entire project spans 31 kanals of land, making it one of the largest ongoing urban infrastructure developments in the city.
Completion Target Set for May 31
Commissioner Khattak stated that authorities are now targeting May 31 for project completion. To meet the revised deadline, construction teams have been placed on double shifts, ensuring faster progress without compromising construction quality or safety standards.
Parking Plaza to Ease Roadside Congestion
In addition to road remodeling, authorities are constructing a multi-story parking plaza in Jinnah Park to tackle problems caused by illegal roadside parking. The parking facility is expected to significantly reduce congestion in surrounding commercial areas.
Moreover, the government has submitted proposals for five additional parking plazas, including locations in Saddar and Cantonment areas, as part of a long-term urban mobility plan.
Improved Traffic Flow and Public Convenience
Officials believe the combined impact of underpasses, flyovers, and parking facilities will dramatically improve traffic flow and commuter experience in Rawalpindi. Once completed, the project is expected to reduce travel time, enhance road safety, and support economic activity in the city.
The accelerated completion of the Kutchery Chowk remodeling project reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing Rawalpindi’s infrastructure while minimizing disruption to daily life.
