RAWALPINDI:
The Punjab government has activated a comprehensive monitoring system to ensure day-to-day progress of a historic mega plan worth over Rs 50 billion aimed at completing ongoing projects and launching new ones in Rawalpindi during 2026.
Similar to other districts in the province, the plan focuses on road infrastructure, water supply and the health sector. Under the system, the Punjab Chief Minister’s House gets daily updates on the progress of each project.
After the completion of Nawaz Sharif Flyover, Khawaja Corporation Chowk on Adiala Road, Saddar GPO Chowk and TM Chowk underpasses last year, work on the Katchery Chowk redevelopment project – comprising two flyovers and three underpasses – which has been ongoing since November 3 last year, will be completed by April 30 this year.
On Peshawar Road, construction of three underpasses at Race Course, Qabristan Chowk and Charing Cross Chowk will begin in February and be completed by May.
After completion, a signal-free corridor will be available from Katchery Chowk to Chungi 26 Motorway Chowk, facilitating a smooth journey for commuters heading towards Islamabad International Airport and onward to Lahore and Peshawar via the expressway.
Following directives from the Punjab government, the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has planned several initiatives for this year, including the widening of Murree Road from Liaquat Bagh to Faizabad by 20 feet on both sides, construction of four parking lots and the construction of a new underpass under the road bridge on Ninth Avenue and Islamacor-free-india to establish a signalment between Rawalpindi.
Planning has also been undertaken to implement beautification, improvement and upgrading projects on a pilot basis in four of the RDA’s thirteen housing schemes.
Meanwhile, 80 percent work on the Rawalpindi Ring Road project – which will act as a new road link and economic corridor from GT Road Banth to Thalian Motorway Interchange – has been completed and the project is scheduled to be completed by March 2026. A proposal for the construction of a new flyover at Ammar Shaheed Chowk has also been submitted to the government during the current year.
Alongside the road infrastructure, the pilot project of Green Electric Bus Service operating on four routes will be expanded to cover all routes and connect all tehsil headquarters in Rawalpindi district. During this expansion, 87 green electric buses will be in operation across the district. In the health sector, the Chief Minister’s Inspection Team is currently preparing an assessment report on the existing health facilities in all hospitals in Rawalpindi.
After this, five hospitals in the city will be upgraded in stages under a health network.
Great progress is also being made on water supply projects. Under the Chahan Dam Dream Project, an additional 12 million gallons per day (MGD) will be supplied, while projects are underway to supply 5 MGD from Rawal and Khanpur dams and 35 MGD from Daducha Dam.
Work is also underway on the construction of the Chara Dam and its water supply project in the Chara area of the federal capital Islamabad. For feasibility studies of water treatment plants and mains under WASA, funds worth Rs80 million have been approved.
