To ease chronic traffic congestion and parking woes, the Punjab government has approved a Rs. 1.2 billion multi-storey parking plaza near Katchery Chowk, Rawalpindi. The project, located on the vacant land of Jinnah Park, aims to accommodate over 1,000 vehicles, providing much-needed relief for commuters and nearby businesses.
According to a senior Punjab Highways Department official, the plaza will span eight kanals, featuring a basement and three floors. The plan is in the final approval stage, and construction is expected to begin soon. The initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to improve urban mobility and reduce gridlock on key city routes.
The official shared that the project will particularly benefit motorists using Mushtaq Baig Road and Jhelum Road, areas that have long suffered from roadside parking and traffic jams.
“The parking plaza and Katchery Chowk remodeling will run simultaneously to ensure smoother traffic flow and safer road conditions,” said the official.
The project is expected to be completed within one year and will be executed alongside the Katchery Chowk remodeling scheme, signaling the government’s commitment to modernizing Rawalpindi’s infrastructure.
Urban planners have praised the move, noting that such projects could revitalize commercial activity while reducing pollution caused by idling vehicles. The initiative aligns with Punjab’s broader Smart City Vision, focusing on efficient, sustainable, and citizen-friendly urban solutions.