RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government has green-lit the construction of an underpass on Mall Road in the Saddar area of Rawalpindi to address traffic congestion issues in one of the busiest parts of the garrison city.

According to officials, the double-barrel underpass from TM Chowk to MH Chowk will be built to make Mall Road signal-free.

They said work on the project is likely to be started on February 17. A sidewalk will be built for pedestrians as per the officials who said a deadline of two months has been set for the completion of the project.

Speaking to Dawn, Rawalpindi Chief Traffic Officer Beenish Fatima said due to the construction of the underpass, Mall Road will be closed for all kinds of traffic from MH Chowk to TM Chowk.

Double-barrel underpass from TM Chowk to MH Chowk to make Mall Road signal-free

She said that the project is likely to be completed in approximately two months.

“To maintain uninterrupted traffic flow during the construction, Rawalpindi City Traffic Police have prepared a comprehensive alternative traffic plan under which 150 traffic police personnel will be deployed at various locations,” she said.

Moreover, a spokesperson for the traffic police also confirmed on Tuesday that given the restrictions during the construction period, measures have been taken to divert traffic to alternative routes.

As part of the alternative plan, traffic going from MH Chowk to TM Chowk will be diverted to Haider Road, parallel to Mall Road, from where vehicles will be able to easily move towards Murree Road and Kutchery Chowk.

Meanwhile, CTO Beenish Fatima urged the citizens to follow the instructions issued by the traffic police and contact the police in case of confusion.

The project, once completed, is expected to not only improve the traffic flow on Mall Road but also contribute to addressing traffic congestion issues in nearby areas.

The city traffic police have assured that all possible steps would be taken for the safety and comfort of the citizens.

Motorists were requested to use alternative routes during the construction, obey traffic rules and contact the city traffic police immediately in case of any emergency.

As part of public awareness, the city traffic police have distributed 2,000 guideline materials so far.

Published in Dawn, February 12th, 2025