RAWALPINDI:
The Punjab government has activated a comprehensive monitoring system to ensure daily progress of a landmark mega plan valued at over Rs 50 billion aimed at completing ongoing projects and launching new ones in Rawalpindi during 2026.
As in other districts of the province, the plan focuses on road infrastructure, water supply and the health sector. Under this system, the Punjab Chief Minister House receives daily updates on the progress of each project.
After the completion of Nawaz Sharif flyovers, Khawaja Corporation Chowk on Adiala Road, Saddar GPO Chowk and TM Chowk last year, work on the Katchery Chowk redevelopment project, comprising two flyovers and three underpasses, which has been underway since November 3 last year, will be completed by April 30 this year.
On Peshawar Road, construction of three underpasses at Race Course, Qabristan Chowk and Charing Cross Chowk will begin in February and will be completed in May.
Once completed, a signal-free corridor will be available from Katchery Chowk to Chungi 26 Motorway Chowk, facilitating hassle-free travel for travelers heading towards Islamabad International Airport and towards Lahore and Peshawar via the expressway.
Following the directives of the Punjab government, the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has planned several initiatives this year, including widening Murree Road from Liaquat Bagh to Faizabad by 20 feet on both sides, constructing four parking spaces and constructing a new underpass under the Ninth Avenue flyover between Rawalpindi and Islamabad to establish a signal-free corridor.
Planning has also been completed to carry out beautification, improvement and improvement projects on a pilot basis in four of the thirteen housing schemes in the GDR.
Meanwhile, 80 per cent of the work on the Rawalpindi Ring Road project, which will serve as a new road link and economic corridor from GT Road Banth to Thalian Motorway Interchange, has been completed and the project is scheduled for completion in March 2026. A proposal for construction of a new flyover at Ammar Shaheed Chowk during the current year has also been submitted to the Punjab government.
Apart from road infrastructure, the Green Electric Bus Service pilot project operating on four routes will be expanded to cover all routes and connect all tehsil headquarters of Rawalpindi district. As part of this expansion, 87 eco-friendly electric buses will be operational throughout the district. In the health sector, the Chief Minister’s Inspection Team is compiling an assessment report on the existing health facilities in all hospitals in Rawalpindi.
Five hospitals in the city will then be modernized in phases within a healthcare network.
Significant progress is also being made on water supply projects. Under the Chahan Dam Dream project, an additional 12 million gallons per day (MGD) will be supplied, while projects are underway to provide 5 MGD from Rawal and Khanpur dams and 35 MGD from Daducha dam.
Work is also underway on the construction of Chara Dam and its water supply project in Chara area of federal capital Islamabad. For feasibility studies of water treatment plants and main lines under WASA, funds worth Rs 80 crore have been approved.
