The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) will build a 22-kilometer signal-free corridor linking Ammar Chowk to the motorway during the fiscal year 2023–2024 with funding provided by the Punjab government in the amount of Rs. 8 billion.
A senior RDA official told the media that the district and garrison administrations mutually decided to build the signal-free route.?
At first, it was intended to build a signal-free route along the Peshawar route from Koral Chowk to Motorway Chowk. The corridor will now begin at Ammar Chowk thanks to a revision to the original plan.
The Punjab government will pay the designated funding for the project following the conclusion of a formal feasibility study, which is expected to be finished in July.
Currently, it takes more than an hour to get from Kutchery and Nur Khan Airbase to Peshawar Road. However, by building the signal-free lane, the government hopes to cut this time to just 20 minutes.
Besides, the cantonment officials intend to increase public transport options along the route, linking Saddar to the highway and IIA, in addition to enhancing travel efficiency. A metro bus line from Kutchery Chowk to the motorway was previously planned to be established by the PML-N government in Punjab, but the project was unable to be carried out.
The provincial government has finally decided to start construction on the signal-free route after consulting with military officials. At main?locations like the mall in front of the Pearl Continental Hotel, General Post Office Chowk,?GHQ Chowk,?and Military Hospital Chowk, underpasses are part of the initial plan’s construction. Additionally, a flyover will be constructed at Qasim Market and Ammar Chowk.
Jappa also indicated that bus service from the garrison city to the airport is likely to be implemented.
Furthermore, the RDA has designed a fresh strategy to build an underpass on Murree Road in front of Liaquat Bagh to eliminate signals at Liaquat Bagh Chowk.
The proposal is anticipated to be incorporated into the government’s new annual development program and has been presented to the Punjab government for final approval.