RAWALPINDI: Traffic congestion and frequent disruptions across Rawalpindi have been largely attributed to the deteriorating condition of major city roads, according to the City Traffic Police. Officials say damaged road surfaces are hampering smooth traffic flow and causing daily inconvenience to commuters, particularly during peak hours.
The traffic police have formally requested the district administration to direct relevant civic bodies to carry out immediate patchwork and repair on key roads. These include Bostan Khan Road, Jhanda Chichi Road, Aziz Bhatti Road, Ganjmandi Road, Chungi No 22 Chowk, Harley Street, Sadiqabad Road, Sixth Road, Adiala Road, Range Road and Band Khannad Road. Officials stress that timely repairs are essential to restore normal traffic movement.
Although patchwork has begun on Ganjmandi Road and parts of Adiala Road, work on several other critical points has yet to start. Meetings involving the Rawalpindi Development Authority, Cantonment Board, district administration and traffic police were held in November 2025 and again in January 2026 to address the issue, but progress has remained slow.
Chief Traffic Officer Farhan Aslam confirmed that written directives were issued to the concerned departments for immediate road repairs. He said the traffic police had also recommended the installation of speed breakers on Kahuta Kashmir Road and closure of hazardous U turns to reduce accidents and improve road safety.
According to traffic police assessments, cracks, potholes and uneven road surfaces are creating dangerous driving conditions and worsening traffic delays. Officials clarified that road maintenance does not fall under the traffic police mandate, which is limited to traffic management and ensuring smooth vehicular flow.
The police also highlighted that diversions between Marrir Chowk and Jhanda Chichi have significantly increased travel time. Authorities are considering removing some diversions to ease congestion. Meanwhile service lanes on both sides of Peshawar Road are planned ahead of underpass construction at Qasim Market, Chairing Cross and MH Chowk, with work likely to begin in early April.
