The Punjab government is considering building a new underpass on The Mall in Rawalpindi, near the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) and Military Hospital, to reduce traffic congestion at Station Mor.
A senior district administration official said a proposal has been submitted to the provincial government for the project. The National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) has also recommended the underpass as part of a wider plan to improve traffic movement along The Mall and Peshawar Road.
The proposed project aims to help create a signal-free corridor between Koral Chowk and Motorway Chowk, reducing delays at busy intersections and improving connectivity across the city.
Construction Could Begin by December
According to the district administration official, construction could begin by the end of December 2026, provided the provincial government approves the project.
Authorities are currently preparing the PC-I, the document outlining the project’s scope, cost and implementation plan. The administration intends to submit it to the government for final approval by the end of October.
However, the proposed timeline depends on the approval process and the completion of ongoing road infrastructure projects. Work on the underpasses at Race Course Park and Charing Cross is expected to be completed before construction of the AFIC underpass begins.
No final construction date or approved project cost has been announced in the provided information.
Underpass to Improve Traffic Between Major Chowks
The proposed underpass is expected to improve traffic flow between Ammar Chowk and Motorway Chowk. Station Mor is a busy intersection, and congestion in the area can affect commuters travelling along The Mall and Peshawar Road.
The administration official explained that the AFIC underpass was not constructed alongside the GPO underpass because diverting all traffic through Haider Road via Station Mor would have created additional traffic management challenges.
The new proposal is intended to address these concerns as authorities work on improving traffic movement across the wider road network.
Other Road Projects Underway
Several infrastructure projects are already underway to improve traffic flow in Rawalpindi.
The National Highway Authority is expanding the road from Chungi No. 26 towards Motorway Chowk. Meanwhile, the Punjab Highway Department is constructing underpasses at Race Course Park and Charing Cross.
These projects are part of a broader plan to establish a signal-free corridor from Ammar Chowk to Motorway Chowk. The proposed AFIC underpass would add another important link to the plan if it receives government approval.
For commuters, the project could eventually reduce delays at Station Mor and make travel along The Mall and Peshawar Road more convenient. However, the expected benefits and construction schedule will become clearer once the provincial government makes its final decision.
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