RAWALPINDI: On the recommendation of local lawmakers, the provincial government is planning to conduct a feasibility study for two underpasses at Chandani Chowk on Murree Road and Marrir Road, as well as a flyover on IJ Principal Road in the next fiscal year.

A senior official of the Housing and Urban Development Department told Dawn that the local lawmakers from NA-56, Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, and Danyal Chaudhry from NA-57 recommended starting the projects in their constituencies.

He said that the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) proposed the scheme in the annual development programme for the fiscal year 2025–26.

The allocation of funds for these schemes was recommended to be Rs40 million each.

In the first phase, the feasibility study would be conducted and the project would be completed after the completion of work on The Mall and Adiala Road, said the official.

He further added that in the next fiscal year, the government is working to construct an underpass or flyover at Kutcheri Chowk.

“Though it is not yet decided, the study will be conducted for Marrir Chowk Underpass, so the homework will be completed to start the work soon after Kutcheri Chowk remodelling,” he added.

According to the plan, a feasibility study and detailed design of a single-barrel underpass at Chandani Chowk linking Rawal Road to Murree Road, and an underpass at Marrir Chowk, will be undertaken.

He said that this project envisages signal-free movement from Rawal Road to Murree Road.

The completion of the project would alleviate the traffic congestion at Chandani Chowk and Marrir Chowk on Murree Road.

He said that it would reduce traffic congestion, accidents and travel time, providing Rawalpindi city with an alternate bypass route.

The official was of the view that it would enhance environmental improvement within the project area and would generate economic activity.

For the feasibility study and detailed design for the construction of a two-lane flyover from Siddique Chowk to IJP Road, he said that the scheme was proposed for the next fiscal year.

“The total length of the flyover will be one kilometre, and this project envisages easing traffic congestion on Saidpur Road,” he stated.

When contacted, RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza said that the government was working to start a number of development works in the next fiscal year and RDA was ready to start the work soon after receiving directions from the government.

She said that local lawmakers had sent their proposals to the government and, in this regard, the government would give tasks to the authority, and it would be ready to undertake all the new works.

Published in Dawn, May 11th, 2025