RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government is considering a new underpass on The Mall near the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) and Military Hospital to reduce traffic congestion at Station Mor.
According to a senior district administration official, a proposal has been submitted to the provincial government for the project. The National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) has also recommended the underpass as part of a plan to develop a signal-free corridor connecting Koral Chowk with Motorway Chowk.
Authorities are preparing the project’s PC-I for submission to the government for approval, reportedly by the end of October. Construction could begin by the end of December, subject to approval and the completion of ongoing underpass projects at Race Course Park and Charing Cross.
The proposed underpass is intended to improve traffic movement between Ammar Chowk and Motorway Chowk. Officials previously decided not to develop it alongside the GPO underpass because diverting traffic through Haider Road and Station Mor could have created additional traffic management challenges.
Meanwhile, the National Highway Authority is expanding the road from Chungi No. 26 towards Motorway Chowk. The Punjab Highway Department is also working on the Race Course Park and Charing Cross underpasses to improve connectivity along the corridor.
The AFIC underpass remains a proposal rather than an approved construction project. Its timeline will depend on government approval, completion of the planning process and progress on the ongoing road infrastructure works.
