RAWALPINDI: The long-anticipated Rs14 billion Kacheri Chowk remodeling project has officially begun, triggering severe traffic congestion across the city as major routes were sealed and diversions were put in place.
According to officials, construction includes a flyover and underpass at Kacheri Chowk worth Rs6.6 billion, another similar structure near Jinnah Park costing Rs5.2 billion, and an additional underpass on Iftikhar Janjua Road valued at Rs2.7 billion. Work is scheduled to conclude within six months, with the main structure expected to be completed in four.
Excavation began late Sunday night, and contractors will continue work round the clock to expedite completion. However, the project’s launch brought immediate challenges. Over 250,000 vehicles pass through Kacheri Chowk daily, and the closure has caused gridlock across major arteries.
Alternate routes, including the stretch from Chaklala Scheme-III to the Lahore High Court Rawalpindi Bench, are in poor condition, riddled with potholes and encroachments, worsening commuter distress.
Between 35,000 and 40,000 daily visitors to the District Courts have been particularly affected. The Rawalpindi District Bar Association raised concerns about the lack of parking facilities and announced plans to meet with district officials to discuss compensation and traffic management.
Commissioner Aamir Khattak described the project as a “mega development initiative” and a “gift” from the Punjab government, acknowledging the initial inconvenience but assuring citizens that the situation would improve soon. He directed the traffic police and local administration to ensure smooth flow on diversion routes and ordered immediate repair work on damaged roads
The City Traffic Police confirmed that additional officers have been deployed across the city to manage diversions. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel toward Kacheri Chowk and plan for an additional 25 to 30 minutes of travel time during peak hours.
Despite the current gridlock, officials emphasized that the project aims to permanently ease congestion in Rawalpindi’s busiest corridors and provide a signal-free route from Kacheri Chowk to the motorway junction once completed.