Rawalpindi begins work on three more underpasses

RAWALPINDI: After the opening of the Kachehry Chowk Road mega project, work has started on three more underpasses on Peshawar Road with an estimated combined cost of Rs8.359 billion.

The earlier Kachehry Chowk scheme was completed at nearly Rs19 billion, significantly above its original estimate of Rs13.334 billion. The corridor was opened for traffic on Monday night.

The project, now renamed Marka-e-Haq Square, had begun on November 3, 2025. It included two flyovers, three underpasses and two overhead pedestrian bridges. Under the initial cost plan, the Jinnah Road underpass and flyover were estimated at Rs4.672 billion, while the Kachehry Chowk underpass and flyover were projected at Rs5.974 billion. The Iftikhar Janjua Road underpass and road-widening component were estimated at Rs2.688 billion, taking the total to Rs13.334 billion.

However, after a major increase in expenditure, the scheme was completed in six months and eight days at a revised cost of around Rs19 billion.

New phase on Mall Road

Focus has now moved to Mall Road from Kachehry Chowk to Saddar. Two underpasses at TM Chowk and GPO Chowk have already been completed and opened for traffic.

Authorities have now initiated construction of three additional underpasses at Qasim Market Chowk, Qabristan Chowk and Charing Cross Chowk. The Qasim Market underpass is estimated to cost Rs3.091 billion, the Qabristan Chowk underpass Rs2.679 billion and the Charing Cross Chowk underpass Rs2.588 billion.

These three projects together are expected to cost Rs8.359 billion.

During the initial phase, more than 80 per cent of utility shifting work has reportedly been completed. Work is also under way on temporary alternate routes. Authorities expect the three underpasses to be finished in about three months.

The previously completed underpasses at GPO Chowk and TM Chowk on Saddar Mall Road reportedly cost a combined Rs5.736 billion.

Further proposal under consideration

Sources further said a proposal is also being examined for construction of a flyover at Ammar Shaheed Chowk. An underpass and road expansion project at the location had earlier been completed under the supervision of the Chaklala Cantonment Board.

The proposed flyover is expected to cost about Rs3.45 billion.