RAWALPINDI:
The Punjab government has activated a comprehensive monitoring system to ensure daily progress of a historic mega plan worth over Rs 50 billion aimed at completing ongoing projects and launching new ones in Rawalpindi in 2026.
Like other districts in the province, the plan focuses on road infrastructure, water supply and the health sector. Under this system, the Punjab Chief Minister’s House receives daily updates on the progress of each project.
After the completion of underpasses at Nawaz Sharif, Khawaja Corporation Chowk on Adiala Road, Saddar GPO Chowk and TM Chowk last year, work on the Katchery Chowk renovation project – comprising two flyovers and three underpasses – underway 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.
Once completed, a signal-free corridor will be available between Katchery Chowk and Chungi 26 Chowk Expressway, thereby facilitating the movement of commuters heading to Islamabad International Airport and 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 widening Murree Road from Liaquat Bagh to Faizabad by 20 feet on both sides, construction of four parking bays and construction of a new underpass under the Ninth Avenue flyover between Rawalpindi and Islamabad to establish a signal-free corridor.
Planning has also been completed to carry out beautification, improvement and modernization projects on a pilot basis in four of the thirteen GDR housing schemes.
Meanwhile, 80 per cent of the work on the Rawalpindi Ring Road project – which will serve as a new road link and economic corridor between GT Road Banth and the Thalian Expressway Interchange – has been completed and the project is expected to be completed by March 2026. A proposal to construct a new flyover at Ammar Shaheed Chowk in the current year has also been sent to the Punjab government.
Along with road infrastructure, the pilot project of green electric bus service operating on four routes will be expanded to cover all routes and connect all head offices in Rawalpindi district. As part of this expansion, 87 green electric buses will be operational throughout 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.
Subsequently, five hospitals in the city will be gradually upgraded as part of a healthcare network.
Significant progress is also being made in water supply projects. Under the Chahan Dam Dream project, an additional 12 million gallons per day (MGD) will be provided, while plans are underway to provide 5 MGD from Rawal and Khanpur dams and 35 MGD from Daducha dam.
Work is also underway for the construction of Chara Dam and its water supply project in Chara area of federal capital Islamabad. For feasibility studies of water treatment plants and water mains under WASA, funds worth Rs80 million have been approved.
