RAWALPINDI: Traffic management on several major roads in Rawalpindi has been severely disrupted as at least 16 traffic signals have remained non functional for the past three months, creating congestion and raising serious safety concerns. The prolonged breakdown has turned some of the city’s busiest corridors into high risk zones for motorists and pedestrians alike.
The affected road network includes Murree Road, Saidpur Road, Rawal Road, Rashid Minhas Road and key intersections such as Committee Chowk, Chandni Chowk, 6th Road Chowk, Marrir Chowk and Bilal Shaheed Chowk in Scheme III. At many of these points, signals are either completely blacked out or stuck on flashing mode, leaving drivers to rely on guesswork during peak traffic hours.
City Traffic Police officials confirmed that repeated written requests for urgent repairs have been sent to the Commissioner Rawalpindi and other concerned departments including the Rawalpindi Development Authority and Municipal Corporation. Despite reminders issued over the last three months, none of the damaged signals has been restored.
The breakdown comes at a time when thousands of vehicles are already navigating alternative routes due to ongoing road remodeling at Kutchery Chowk. With no automated signal control, vehicles from all directions attempt to cross simultaneously, leading to frequent traffic jams and an increase in minor road accidents.
Transport operators say delays have become routine on major roads, affecting public buses, private vehicles and commercial traffic. Road safety experts emphasize that properly functioning signals are essential for regulating vehicle flow, protecting pedestrians and enabling emergency vehicles to pass through intersections without obstruction.
Commuters have voiced growing frustration over what they describe as administrative indifference. Residents using Rashid Minhas Road and Murree Road report daily congestion and dangerous crossing conditions. With traffic volume steadily increasing, citizens are demanding immediate restoration of signal systems to ensure smoother and safer road movement across Rawalpindi.
