Rawalpindi – In a historic move, the Punjab government has approved a record-breaking Rs150 billion development package for Rawalpindi under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2025–26, marking the city’s largest-ever infrastructure investment. The package includes 13 transformative projects, assigned to the Highway Division Rawalpindi, aimed at easing chronic traffic congestion and creating a signal-free corridor across the city.

The initiative, spearheaded under the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, reflects her government’s vision to modernize urban infrastructure and improve mobility in Rawalpindi. The plan focuses on underpasses, flyovers, and road upgrades across key junctions, especially along GT Road, Peshawar Road, and Adiala Road.

Read: Rawalpindi-Kahuta Road dualization included in PSDP 2025–26

According to Engr Raja Qamar-ul-Islam, Chairman of the District Coordination Committee, the following major projects are part of the development push:

Approved Projects under ADP 2025–26 for Rawalpindi:

Race Course Underpass – Rs2.6 billion (Rs54 million released)
Chairing Cross Underpass – Rs1.5 billion (Rs54 million released)
Army Graveyard Chowk Underpass – Rs1.9 billion (Rs68 million released)
Katchery Chowk Flyover & Underpass – Rs4.45 billion (Rs160 million allocated)
Jinnah Park Flyover – Rs4.15 billion (Rs149 million released)
GPO Underpass (Mall Road) – Executed
Nawaz Sharif Flyover at Adiala Road – Part of iconic signal-free plan
Iftikhar Janjua Road Underpass – Rs1.93 billion (Rs69 million allocated)
Ammar Chowk Flyover – Rs3.45 billion (Rs124 million released)
COD Chowk (Range Road) Underpass – Rs3.75 billion (Rs135 million allocated)
Tulsa Road Adiala Underpass – Rs1.69 billion (Rs61 million approved)
Widening of road from Akbar Chowk to Thalian
Upgradation of Mahil Malkan to Dhoke Baba Buland Road in Kallar Syedan

Executive Engineer Rana Qamar Ali of the Provincial Highway Department stated that site surveys and inter-departmental coordination for the projects are underway. The selection of locations is based on traffic studies identifying major choke points including Saddar, MH Hospital Chowk, and other intersections along Mall Road and Peshawar Road.

The comprehensive plan is expected to benefit areas such as Chontra, Rawat, and key federal and local arteries by improving traffic flow, reducing commute times, and enhancing urban mobility.

Read: Punjab allocates billions for Rawalpindi’s road network

CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed authorities to ensure timely execution and high-quality standards in all projects. The package is also expected to stimulate economic activity by improving logistics efficiency and access to commercial zones.

The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) welcomed the initiative, urging the government to integrate pedestrian-friendly and climate-conscious design elements into the upgraded infrastructure.

The signal-free vision for Rawalpindi is set to serve as a model for future urban upgrades across Punjab.

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