A major remodeling project is set to begin at Rawalpindi’s Kachehri Chowk, one of the city’s busiest intersections connecting the cantonment, city areas, and GT Road. Work has already started on the University side, and the official launch is expected in the first week of November. The project aims to ease daily traffic jams that have long troubled commuters in the heart of the city.
Current Traffic Challenges in the Area
According to officials, more than 200,000 vehicles pass through Kachehri Chowk each day, making it one of the most congested spots in Rawalpindi. Frequent stops at traffic signals in the Annexy, Kachehri, and University Chowks often cause long queues and delays. The heavy flow of vehicles has also led to pollution, noise, and stress for drivers using this route daily.
Details of the Remodeling Plan
The new project will include the construction of flyovers and underpasses from Police Annex Chowk to University Chowk. This design will allow smoother movement of vehicles without the need for multiple signals. The plan aims to improve connectivity between main city roads, ease congestion, and significantly reduce travel time for those heading toward different city zones.
Traffic Diversion Plan During Construction
To manage the heavy flow of vehicles, City Traffic Police Rawalpindi has finalized a detailed diversion plan. Once work begins, Kachehri Chowk will be completely closed to all traffic. The authorities have urged drivers to follow alternative routes and traffic signs. Clear instructions and boards will be placed along all entry and exit points to guide the public.
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Routes for Traffic from Rawat and Jhelum Road
Traffic from Rawat T-Chowk toward the Old Airport will move through Bahria Town Phase-I and Gulraiz via Bostan Khan Road to Car Chowk. Vehicles from Jhelum Road going toward Peshawar Road, the New Islamabad Airport, or the Motorway will use Morgah Turn, Attock Oil Refinery Road, and Defense Road to reach Khawaja Corporation Flyover, passing through School Road, Talha Morr, Kalma Chowk, and Bakra Mandi Road to 22 Number Chowk.
Routes for Traffic Toward Saddar and Murree Road
Vehicles from Jhelum Road heading to Saddar will travel through New Lalazar, Foundation University, and Rah-e-Aman Road, exiting at COD Chowk and continuing to CMH Emergency Gate, Family Ward, and 22 Number Chowk. Traffic from Jhelum Road to Murree Road will pass through COD Turn, Nazr Chowk, Burki Chowk, Count Chowk, and Shalimar Chowk, reaching Murree Road via TM Chowk.
Old Airport Traffic Adjustments
Vehicles from the Old Airport heading to Murree Road will move under Rahimabad Bridge through Chohan Chowk and Rawal Road. For those traveling from the Old Airport to Saddar, the route will include Rawal Road, Fauji Tower, Tipu Road, Marrir Chowk, and finally Moti Mahal Chowk. These new routes are expected to keep the city’s traffic system running smoothly during construction.
Minor and VVIP Route Changes
Officials confirmed that small route adjustments will be made for traffic returning toward Jhelum Road, GT Road, and the High Court. Separate VVIP routes have also been marked to ensure smooth passage during important movements. The authorities have requested patience and cooperation from citizens as this long-awaited project promises lasting benefits for Rawalpindi’s traffic system.
