RAWALPINDI: Construction work on the long-awaited Katchery Chowk remodeling project is set to begin on Monday, November 3, with authorities announcing the complete closure of the intersection for all kinds of traffic starting Sunday. The Rawalpindi Traffic Police has issued a comprehensive alternative traffic plan aimed at minimizing disruption for commuters amid what is expected to be one of the city’s most challenging infrastructure undertakings.
According to Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Rawalpindi Farhan Aslam, the project includes the construction of three flyovers and three underpasses at Katchery Chowk to ease chronic congestion. He said over 200,000 vehicles pass through the intersection daily, making it the busiest traffic node in the region. Once completed, Peshawar Road will become signal-free up to Chungi No. 26, significantly improving travel times for Rawalpindi and Islamabad residents.
Officials estimate that the project will be completed within 8 to 10 months, though traffic authorities have stressed that public cooperation will be essential during construction. To guide motorists, panaflex signage for diversion routes has been placed at key junctions, and traffic wardens have been deployed to assist throughout the day.
Executive Engineer Punjab Highway Authority Rana Qamar Ali confirmed that Rs1.5 billion has already been paid for land acquisition surrounding the chowk. He stated that the project will address long-standing bottlenecks and enhance urban mobility across major corridors including Peshawar Road, Airport Road and the Saddar commercial belt.
Under the officially issued diversion plan, traffic heading toward Old Airport Road, Bahria Phase 1, Gulrez, High Court Road, and Boston Road will be diverted to Scheme 3. Similarly, commuters traveling toward the Islamabad International Airport may use the Attock Oil Refinery Road via Morgah Turn, or the alternative route passing through Tulsa Road, Kalma Chowk and Bakra Mandi.
Authorities have urged residents to plan their routes ahead of travel and stay updated through official social media and traffic helplines to avoid unnecessary delays.
