Rawalpindi: The Punjab government has announced plans to construct a mega parking plaza near Katchery Chowk to tackle long-standing traffic congestion and parking issues in the area.
According to officials, the multi-storey facility will be developed on vacant land at Jinnah Park and will have the capacity to accommodate over 1,000 vehicles. The project aims to free up key surrounding roads, including Mushtaq Baig Road and Jhelum Road, from on-street parking that has been contributing to daily traffic bottlenecks.
A senior official from the Punjab Highways Department told the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) that the plaza will cover approximately eight kanals and feature a basement and three upper floors. “The facility will provide a safe, structured parking space for visitors to nearby courts and government offices, reducing congestion across the main GT Road corridor,” the official said.
The total estimated cost of the project stands at Rs1.25 billion, with the proposal currently in its final approval stage. Construction is expected to take one year, with the department aiming to synchronize its completion with the ongoing Katchery Chowk remodeling project.
Work has already commenced on two flyovers and three underpasses planned under the remodeling initiative. A traffic diversion plan has been implemented to ensure continued mobility during construction.
Officials emphasized that the development would not compromise the green landscape of Jinnah Park. “Preserving the park’s horticultural and recreational value remains a top priority,” the official added, noting that the project’s design includes landscaping measures to enhance the park’s aesthetic appeal.
The Katchery Chowk area has long been a critical junction for commuters accessing the district courts, government departments, and commercial areas. However, the lack of organized parking has led to roadside vehicle queues, exacerbating congestion and complicating traffic management at one of the city’s busiest intersections.
Once completed, the new parking plaza is expected to significantly improve traffic flow, provide safer parking options for the public, and contribute to the overall urban mobility goals outlined in the Katchery Chowk remodeling plan.
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