The Race Course Chowk and Charing Cross projects aim to reduce traffic jams, while officials have been told to maintain construction quality and control dust.
RAWALPINDI, October 16, 2026: Construction of two underpasses on Peshawar Road in Rawalpindi has reached around 60% completion, and Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Salman Ghani has directed the concerned agencies to finish the projects by November.
The commissioner inspected the underpasses at Race Course Chowk and Charing Cross on October 15. He asked the teams working on the projects to maintain construction quality and keep work moving according to the deadline.
The projects are intended to improve traffic flow on one of Rawalpindi’s busy roads and reduce delays at major junctions.
What work has been completed?
During the inspection, officials briefed the commissioner that major structural work, including piling, deck slabs and capping beams, had been completed.
Work is continuing on underpass excavation, barriers, drainage, utility shifting and road surfaces. The progress of these remaining tasks will be important in meeting the November deadline.
How will the two underpasses work?
The Race Course Underpass is designed for northbound traffic, with two lanes passing beneath the junction and three lanes at road level to support turning movements.
The Charing Cross Underpass will serve southbound traffic through two underground lanes, supported by two surface-level lanes.
The layout is intended to help through traffic move past these junctions while allowing local and turning traffic to use the surface roads.
Road work and underground utilities
Road repairs and widening are also under way between Bungalow No. 276 and Raffay Mall. Utility lines are being moved underground to clear roadside obstructions and support the road improvement work.
Moving these services underground is part of the wider effort to improve the road corridor and reduce obstacles along the route.
Traffic and dust control during construction
The commissioner directed traffic police and administrative officials to manage traffic carefully, provide clear alternative routes and reduce inconvenience for commuters while construction continues.
He also ordered water sprinkling and other dust-control measures at construction sites to help limit air pollution during the work.
Once completed, the underpasses are expected to improve traffic movement along Peshawar Road. Their actual impact will depend on timely completion, effective traffic management and how well the new road layout handles local and through traffic.
