Rawalpindi: The long-delayed dualization of the Rawalpindi-Kahuta Road — a vital link connecting Rawalpindi with Azad Kashmir — has officially been included in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the fiscal year 2025–26.
According to official sources, the project is estimated to cost PKR 23.84 billion and aims to significantly upgrade the 28.4-kilometre stretch from Kacheri Chowk in Rawalpindi to Main Bazaar in Kahuta. Once completed, it is expected to reduce travel time between the two points to just 40 minutes, down from the current two-hour commute.
The scope of work includes construction of a four-lane overhead bridge at the Sihala Railway Gate and development of bypasses at both Sihala and Kahuta to ease traffic congestion and improve road safety. The project will be executed under the supervision of the National Highway Authority (NHA), which will ensure compliance with national standards for highway infrastructure.
Previously approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in July 2023, the project had been awaiting budgetary support for its execution. Its inclusion in the federal development programme now paves the way for tendering and construction activities to begin.
The Rawalpindi-Kahuta Road serves as a major transportation corridor for commuters and commercial vehicles traveling to Azad Kashmir and adjoining areas. With its current single-lane configuration and poor road conditions, the route has long faced issues related to traffic congestion, frequent accidents, and logistical delays. The road’s upgrade is expected to significantly benefit local communities, reduce traffic bottlenecks, and enhance regional connectivity — a move welcomed by residents and commuters alike.
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