RAWALPINDI: The proposed Rawalpindi AFIC underpass moved a step closer. Specifically, a senior district administration official confirmed the news. The Punjab government is considering building it on The Mall. It would stand in front of the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology and Military Hospital. In fact, the goal is to ease traffic congestion at Station Mor.
A senior district administration official shared the details. Specifically, he said the authorities had submitted a proposal to the provincial government. It covers the underpass at the busy intersection. In addition, the National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) has submitted a report. It recommends the project as part of a plan. Specifically, the plan is to make The Mall and Peshawar Road a signal-free corridor from Koral Chowk to Motorway Chowk.
Rawalpindi AFIC underpass: construction could start in December
According to the official, construction could begin by the end of December. However, this is subject to government approval. Work can start after workers complete two other underpasses. These are at Race Course Park and Charing Cross. In fact, they are themselves racing a November completion deadline. Authorities are preparing the PC-I. Specifically, they plan to submit it to the government for final approval by the end of October.
The proposed Rawalpindi AFIC underpass would improve traffic flow between Ammar Chowk and Motorway Chowk. In fact, the official explained why it had not been built alongside the GPO underpass. Diverting all traffic onto Haider Road via Station Mor was the issue. As a result, it would have made traffic management difficult during construction.
One corridor, several moving parts
The AFIC proposal is one piece of a larger programme reshaping Rawalpindi’s main arteries. The National Highway Authority is expanding the road from Chungi No. 26 toward Motorway Chowk. Meanwhile, the Punjab Highway Department is building two underpasses. These are at Race Course Park and Charing Cross. As a result, they will create a signal-free corridor from Ammar Chowk to Motorway Chowk.
For commuters, the logic is straightforward. Fewer signals on The Mall and Peshawar Road means shorter journeys. In addition, it means more predictable journeys between the city’s chowks and the motorway. Reliable signalling matters as much as new concrete. Karachi’s recent experience with cable theft knocking traffic signals offline shows what happens when the supporting infrastructure fails. However, there is a trade-off. The construction phase itself brings diversions and dug-up carriageways. As a result, these test everyone’s patience. Residents saw this during the Hayatabad underpass project in Peshawar. They also face disruptions such as the recent gas supply suspension in parts of Rawalpindi. Station Mor is one of the city’s busiest junctions. It is exactly the kind of chokepoint where an underpass pays for itself in saved minutes every day.
The plan now awaits the provincial government’s decision on the PC-I. If approved on schedule, the AFIC underpass would join three existing structures. These are the GPO, Race Course Park and Charing Cross underpasses. In fact, it would become the newest link in Rawalpindi’s signal-free network. As a result, Station Mor’s daily gridlock would finally have an expiry date.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the proposed Rawalpindi AFIC underpass?
It will stand on The Mall. Specifically, the site is in front of the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) and Military Hospital. It aims to ease congestion at Station Mor.
When could construction of the Rawalpindi AFIC underpass start?
According to officials, construction could begin by the end of December. This is subject to government approval. However, work will start after the Race Course Park and Charing Cross underpasses are completed.
What is the signal-free corridor plan?
NESPAK has recommended a signal-free corridor. It would cover The Mall and Peshawar Road from Koral Chowk to Motorway Chowk. Specifically, underpasses would be built at key junctions. These include AFIC, Race Course Park and Charing Cross.
Why was the underpass not built with the GPO underpass?
Officials gave a clear reason. Building it alongside the GPO underpass would have forced all traffic onto Haider Road via Station Mor. Consequently, this would have made traffic management difficult.
