RAWALPINDI: The divisional administration on Thursday asked the Communication and Works Department to complete work on the Rs8 billion underpasses on Peshawar Road by November.

The directions were issued by Commissioner Rawalpindi Salman Ghani to Race Course Chowk and Charing Cross underpasses on Peshawar Road. The commissioner visited the construction sites and reviewed the progress of ongoing work.

The superintending engineer Highway Circle No 1 briefed the commissioner on the status of both the projects. He said major structural works, including piling, deck slabs and capping beams, had been completed.

Meanwhile, the installation of barriers, excavation of the underpasses, relocation of utility services, drainage works and road construction were in progress.

The overall construction progress stands at approximately 60 per cent, with the remaining work targeted for completion by November 2026. He said the Race Course Underpass would comprise two lanes for northbound traffic along with three-level road lanes to facilitate traffic movement and turning.

Similarly, the Charing Cross Underpass is being constructed to accommodate southbound traffic and will feature two underpass lanes alongside two-level road lanes. Rehabilitation and expansion of the road section from Bungalow No 276 to Raffay Mall are also underway.

Moreover, utility services are being shifted underground to minimise roadside obstructions and ensure smoother traffic flow.

The commissioner directed the concerned officials and the executing agency to maintain the pace of construction while strictly adhering to prescribed quality standards and ensuring completion of all works within the stipulated timeline.

He stressed the need for effective traffic management during construction, the provision of appropriate alternative routes and measures to minimise inconvenience to the public.

He instructed the authorities concerned to regularly implement anti-smog measures at construction sites to control dust and air pollution, stressing the importance of maintaining a clean and environmentally friendly atmosphere.

It may be mentioned that after the start of construction work on the two underpasses on Peshawar Road, the district administration closed down schools in the area and asked them to conduct online classes for two months.

From Race Course Park to Rafay Mall, all schools have been closed and asked to conduct online classes.

Besides, two routes of electric buses from Saddar to Bhatta Chowk and Motorway Chowk were suspended on recommendation of City Traffic Police claiming that the construction work will cause considerable traffic congestion from Qasim Market to Rafay Mall.

Earlier, there was a plan to construct three underpasses at Race Course Park, Army Graveyard and Charing Cross. However, the plan was changed to two underpasses at Race Course Park and Charing Cross while Army Graveyard has been given an at-grade road. The Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) was awarded the contract and has completed the alternate road along Peshawar Road so that traffic will not be stopped on the main artery of the garrison city.

Published in Dawn, October 16th, 2026