Rawalpindi Road infrastructure is set for a major overhaul as the federal government officially includes the long anticipated Rawalpindi–Kahuta dualization project in the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for the fiscal year 2025–26.
With an estimated cost of Rs23.84 billion, the initiative is expected to significantly modernize the aging transport corridor, enhancing road safety, streamlining traffic flow, and cutting down travel time between Rawalpindi and Kahuta to just 40 minutes.
The project blueprint features a four lane overhead bridge at the Sihala Railway Gate, along with bypass routes for both Sihala and Kahuta to divert through traffic away from congested urban centers.
Officials hope these developments will alleviate chronic gridlocks and reduce the accident rate that has long plagued this key inter regional link.
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Spanning 28.4 kilometers from Kacheri Chowk in Rawalpindi to Main Bazaar in Kahuta, the route serves as a vital artery connecting northern Punjab with Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Currently a single lane road with minimal safety infrastructure, the corridor often witnesses travel delays extending beyond two hours due to congestion and poor road conditions.
First approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in mid-2023, the scheme has now been formally adopted into the PSDP portfolio.
The National Highway Authority (NHA) will oversee its implementation to ensure timely execution and quality standards.
Commuters and freight transporters alike are expected to benefit once the Rawalpindi Road expansion is complete.
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The dualization will not only enhance regional connectivity but also stimulate economic activity in peripheral areas by facilitating smoother and safer movement.
As the upgrade to Rawalpindi Road progresses, authorities stress the importance of strategic infrastructure investments in easing urban mobility and integrating remote regions into the national development framework.
