Rawalpindi is gearing up for a major transformation as one of its busiest intersections, Kachehri Chowk, prepares for a massive remodeling project set to begin in early November. Work has already started on the university side, marking the initial phase of what officials describe as a crucial step to ease traffic congestion in the city.
Every day, more than 200,000 vehicles pass through Kachehri Chowk, creating constant gridlock at the intersections of Annexy, Kachehri, and University Chowks. To resolve this long-standing issue, the city administration has planned an extensive infrastructure upgrade that includes flyovers and underpasses stretching from Police Annex Chowk to University Chowk.
The City Traffic Police Rawalpindi has finalized a comprehensive diversion plan to handle the heavy traffic expected during construction. Once the work begins, Kachehri Chowk will be completely closed to all vehicles, officials confirmed.
Under the diversion plan, traffic from Rawat T-Chowk heading toward the Old Airport will move through Bahria Town Phase-I and Gulraiz, using Bostan Khan Road to reach Car Chowk. Vehicles from Jhelum Road bound for Peshawar Road, the New Islamabad Airport, or the Motorway will be rerouted via Morgah Turn, Attock Oil Refinery Road, Defence Road, and Khawaja Corporation Flyover to reach School Road, then continue through Talha Morr, Kalma Chowk, Bakra Mandi Road, and finally 22 Number Chowk.
Traffic from Jhelum Road heading to Saddar will pass through New Lalazar, Foundation University, and Rah-e-Aman Road, exiting at COD Chowk before moving toward CMH Emergency Gate, Family Ward, and 22 Number Chowk. Meanwhile, vehicles traveling from Jhelum Road to Murree Road will use COD Turn, Nazr Chowk, Burki Chowk, Count Chowk, Shalimar Chowk, and TM Chowk.
For those coming from the Old Airport toward Murree Road, the route will pass under Rahimabad Bridge through Chohan Chowk and Rawal Road. Vehicles heading to Saddar from the same direction will use Rawal Road, Fauji Tower, and Tipu Road to reach Moti Mahal Chowk and Saddar via Marrir Chowk.
Officials said minor route adjustments will also be made for vehicles returning to Jhelum Road, GT Road, and the High Court. Additionally, special VVIP routes have been planned to ensure smooth movement for official convoys during the construction phase.
The project, once completed, is expected to significantly reduce travel time and improve connectivity between Rawalpindi city, the cantonment, and GT Road, easing one of the region’s most persistent traffic bottlenecks.