The long-awaited Kutchery Chowk remodeling project in Rawalpindi is expected to open for traffic next week, with authorities preparing to make one of the city’s busiest intersections signal-free through newly built flyovers and underpasses.
Officials say the project will significantly improve traffic movement for daily commuters who have faced months of congestion, diversions, and construction-related disruptions since work began in November 2025.
Chief Traffic Officer Farhan Aslam said the intersection is likely to become operational on Tuesday next week after final arrangements and inspections are completed.
The project is considered one of the major traffic infrastructure upgrades undertaken in Rawalpindi in recent years due to the heavy daily vehicle flow through the area connecting key administrative, judicial, and residential zones.
Commuters Faced Months of Disruptions
During the construction phase, authorities diverted traffic to alternative routes across the city, leading to long delays, higher fuel consumption, increased vehicle maintenance costs, and severe congestion around the district courts and Police Lines’ headquarters.
Residents and transporters repeatedly complained about dust, traffic bottlenecks, and difficulties in accessing nearby commercial areas.
Officials believe the situation will improve considerably once the intersection becomes fully operational.
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According to CTO Farhan Aslam, traffic flow at Kutchery Chowk is expected to become smoother, particularly during office and court hours when congestion historically reaches peak levels.
He said more than 250,000 vehicles are expected to pass through the intersection daily without traffic signals or major interruptions after the completion of the project.
Maryam Nawaz Expected to Inaugurate Project
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is expected to formally inaugurate the project next week, according to officials familiar with the arrangements.
Authorities say the remodeling initiative forms part of broader urban infrastructure improvement efforts underway across Punjab aimed at reducing congestion and modernising transport corridors in major cities.
The Kutchery Chowk project includes multiple flyovers, underpasses, and pedestrian facilities designed to improve both traffic flow and public safety.
Officials have also completed a pedestrian bridge linking the Federal Board of Revenue building with the district courts gate on Jhelum Road.
Another pedestrian bridge has been constructed connecting Fatima Jinnah Women University with the Adiala Road bus stand to assist students and pedestrians crossing busy roads.
Traffic Pressure Continues to Rise in Rawalpindi
Traffic congestion has remained a growing challenge in Rawalpindi due to rapid urban expansion, increasing vehicle ownership, and rising commercial activity across the city.
Road infrastructure in several areas has struggled to keep pace with population growth and expanding transport demand.
Transport analysts say intersections such as Kutchery Chowk serve as critical traffic arteries connecting Rawalpindi with Islamabad, Adiala Road, Saddar, and surrounding localities.
Urban planning expert Dr. Taimur Khan said on May 7, 2026, that signal-free corridors can significantly reduce travel time if supported by proper traffic management and enforcement.
“Large intersections in growing cities require long-term planning because vehicle numbers continue to rise every year,” he said.
Authorities Hope for Long-Term Relief
Officials say the opening of the remodeled intersection is expected to reduce travel delays and improve daily commuting conditions for residents, lawyers, students, and government employees using the route.
Businesses operating near the construction zone also hope commercial activity will recover after months of disruption caused by road closures and heavy machinery operations.
The Punjab government has recently accelerated several urban infrastructure projects across major cities, focusing on road widening, flyovers, underpasses, and traffic management systems.
For thousands of motorists in Rawalpindi, the operational launch of Kutchery Chowk is expected to bring immediate relief after nearly six months of construction-related traffic problems.
