The revised Koral Chowk-Motorway Chowk signal-free corridor plan

Rawalpindi: The Punjab government has authorised the allocation of PKR 8 billion for the revised plan of the Koral Chowk-Motorway Chowk signal-free corridor, according to an article published on May 31 in the leading newspaper. The 22-kilometer signal-free corridor initiative in Pindi will reduce travel time between the motorway and Islamabad International Airport (IIA).

Previously, the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) intended to build a signal-free corridor from Koral Chowk to Motorway Chowk via Peshawar Road; however, this plan has been altered. According to the new design, the corridor will begin at Ammar Chowk.

Upon completion of the feasibility study, the provincial government will provide PKR 8 billion to the RDA for this signal-free corridor project, as specified in the details. The feasibility study will be conducted in July, while the RDA has already surveyed the area and completed the preliminary plan.

The initial proposal calls for the construction of underpasses on the Mall in front of the Pearl Continental Hotel, General Headquarters (GHQ) Chowk, General Post Office Chowk, and Military Hospital Chowk. In addition, a viaduct will be constructed between Ammar Chowk and Qasim Market.

Current travel times from Kutchery Chowk and Nur Khan Airbase to Peshawar Road exceed one hour. With the conclusion of this signal-free corridor, travel time will be reduced to twenty minutes. The news source also reported that the cantonment authorities intend to operate public transport along the route from Saddar to the Motorway and the IIA, with construction commencing after the signal-free corridor project in Pindi is completed.

Anwar Jappa, director general of the RDA, stated that the organisation has plans to make Liaquat Bagh Chowk signal-free, for which a tunnel will be built on Murree Road in front of Liaquat Bagh. The RDA has drafted the preliminary plan, which has been sent to the Punjab government for final approval.