Rawalpindi’s divisional administration has set a November 2026 deadline for completing two major underpasses on Peshawar Road, as construction on the Rs. 8 billion projects reaches approximately 60% completion.
Commissioner Rawalpindi Salman Ghani issued the instructions during a visit to the construction sites at Race Course Chowk and Charing Cross. He directed the Communication and Works Department to accelerate construction while ensuring that work meets the required quality standards.
The projects are intended to improve traffic movement along one of Rawalpindi’s important road corridors, where congestion and turning traffic can cause delays for commuters.
Construction Reaches 60% Completion
During his inspection, the commissioner reviewed the progress of both underpasses and received a briefing from the superintending engineer of Highway Circle No. 1.
Officials reported that major structural activities, including piling, deck slabs and capping beams, had been completed.
Construction teams are now working on several remaining tasks, including barriers, excavation, utility relocation, drainage systems and road development.
The administration has directed the relevant departments to maintain the pace of construction to meet the November deadline without compromising safety or quality.
With the projects around 60% complete, the coming weeks will be important for finishing the remaining construction and preparing the roads for traffic.
Race Course and Charing Cross Underpasses
The two underpasses are being designed to facilitate traffic moving in opposite directions along Peshawar Road.
The Race Course Underpass will provide two lanes for northbound traffic. Its road layout will include three levels to facilitate vehicle movement and turning.
The Charing Cross Underpass will serve southbound traffic. It will feature two underpass lanes alongside two-level road lanes designed to improve traffic circulation.
The separate arrangements are intended to help manage traffic flows and reduce conflicts between vehicles travelling through the corridor and those making turns.
Authorities are also rehabilitating and widening the road between Bungalow No. 276 and Raffay Mall as part of the wider development work.
Underground Utility Shifting Underway
Another key part of the projects involves relocating utility services underground.
The administration is shifting these services to reduce roadside obstructions and help improve traffic flow. Proper coordination of utility work is also important to avoid disruptions once the underpasses become operational.
Construction teams must complete the remaining road, drainage and utility-related work alongside the main structures before the projects can be finished.
The administration has stressed the need for coordination among the departments involved to prevent delays.
Traffic Management and Alternative Routes
With construction continuing on Peshawar Road, traffic management remains a key concern for commuters and nearby residents.
Commissioner Salman Ghani directed officials to maintain effective traffic arrangements and provide alternative routes where required.
Motorists may need to follow temporary diversions around the construction sites, depending on the progress of work and traffic arrangements in place.
Commuters are advised to follow traffic police instructions and allow extra travel time when passing through the affected sections of Peshawar Road.
Anti-Smog Measures Ordered at Construction Sites
The commissioner also instructed officials to implement anti-smog measures to control dust and air pollution generated by construction activities.
Such measures are intended to reduce the impact of excavation and road development on people travelling through or living near the sites.
Officials have been directed to maintain construction standards while addressing traffic disruption and environmental concerns.
What the Projects Mean for Rawalpindi
The two underpasses form part of efforts to improve traffic circulation along Peshawar Road. Once completed, the structures are expected to provide designated routes for northbound and southbound traffic and help manage vehicle movements at Race Course Chowk and Charing Cross.
However, the immediate challenge is completing the remaining work while keeping traffic moving safely around the construction zones.
The administration has set November 2026 as the target for completion, with approximately 60% of the projects reportedly finished so far.
Whether the deadline is achieved will depend on progress over the coming weeks, including the completion of drainage, utility shifting, road development and other outstanding tasks.
For now, officials have been instructed to speed up construction, maintain quality and minimise inconvenience to commuters as work continues on the two Rs. 8 billion underpasses.
