RAWALPINDI: Prolonged delays in road patchwork on diversion routes around Katchery Chowk have sharply worsened traffic congestion across Rawalpindi, leaving commuters frustrated and daily mobility severely disrupted. Traffic has been diverted for over two months due to the construction of three flyovers and underpasses, yet basic road repairs promised ahead of the closure remain largely unfulfilled.

Before the closure in November last year, City Traffic Police formally requested the Rawalpindi Development Authority and district administration to repair alternative routes expected to handle more than two hundred thousand diverted vehicles daily. However, except for limited work on Gulistan Colony Road, most key routes were ignored, including Rahimabad Old Airport Road, Bostan Khan Road and several adjoining streets now under heavy strain.

Recent rainfall has further damaged even the partially repaired Gulistan Colony Road, creating depressions and rough patches that have slowed traffic between Ayub Park and Chaklala Scheme Three. Motorists using Bostan Khan Road, Jhanda Chichi, Gang Mandi and Moregah are facing the worst conditions, with frequent bottlenecks and increased travel times during peak hours.

City Traffic Police Officer Farhan Aslam confirmed that authorities and local institutions along diversion routes were informed in advance to make parking and traffic arrangements. Despite the deployment of four hundred and fifty traffic wardens, managing flow has become increasingly difficult due to poor road conditions and unchecked encroachments. He said traffic pressure is expected to ease only after completion of the Katchery Chowk project, targeted for May.

The congestion has spilled into residential areas, exposing residents to constant noise, smoke and dust. Garbage heaps and roadside encroachments on Tipu Road and Rahimabad have aggravated environmental and health concerns. Some residents have opted to work from home to avoid hours long commutes.

Citizens contrasted the situation with international practices, noting that developed cities ensure high quality alternative roads before launching major projects. Residents argue that the issue is not funding but administrative negligence, urging authorities to prioritise urgent patchwork to restore mobility and public confidence.