Rawalpindi Underpass Proposal: Ninth Avenue Chowk Project Details 2025

Traffic in Rawalpindi and Islamabad tests patience every day. Cars pile up, horns blast, and minutes turn to hours. Ninth Avenue Chowk on Karnal Sher Khan Road sits right in the mess, linking the twin cities. Now, the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) steps up with a fix: a new underpass. It's not built yet, but the proposal went to the Punjab government for a green light. If approved, it could change commutes for thousands.

The spot is a bottleneck. Morning rush from Rawalpindi to Islamabad jobs, evening backflow it's endless. Add bikes weaving through, and it's chaos. RDA sees the underpass as a way to smooth it out, no more red lights stopping the flow. Simple idea, big impact.

What's in the Proposal?

Details are straightforward. The underpass stretches 1,600 feet long. It dips 16 feet below ground, with a 24-foot-wide carriageway for vehicles. That's roomy enough for steady traffic. Cost? Rs800 million. Not cheap, but for a key route, it makes sense.

They thought about rain, too. A pumping house handles water buildup, keeping it dry during monsoons. No flooded lanes are stalling everything. The whole setup turns the Chowk signal-free. Straight through for Karnal Sher Khan Road users, side roads stay above.

RDA sent this to Punjab for approval. No timeline yet, but recent news suggests it's fresh, mid-December 2025. If it moves fast, construction could start soon.

Why This Matters for Commuters

Picture this: No more idling at lights. Faster trips mean less fuel burned, less stress. For folks shuttling between cities, it's a win. Office workers, students, and delivery drivers all benefit. Congestion here backs up nearby areas, too. Fix one spot, ease the whole stretch.

Economy gets a nudge. Smoother roads mean better business flow. Trucks move goods quickly, and shops restock on time. And air quality? Less idling cuts emissions. In polluted twin cities, that's no small thing.

But challenges exist. Construction disrupts traffic short term. RDA needs solid plans to reroute during builds. Past projects show it can be done, but locals brace for detours.

Looking at Other RDA Projects

RDA isn't new to this. They handle roads like Stadium Road, Metro Overhead Bridge, and Tipu Road Underpass. Recent ones include three more underpasses starting work. And nearby, CDA wrapped a flyover, ready for opening.

These build on each other. Ninth Avenue fits the pattern of target hot spots, adds infrastructure. Rawal Road, High Court Road got upgrades, too. It's piecemeal, but progress adds up.

Earlier this year, plans for nine underpasses and flyovers surfaced.

Ninth Avenue joins that push. Punjab invests in urban fixes, with RDA leading locally.

Public Take on the Plan

Word's out, but reactions are light so far. A recent post on X highlights the relief angle. People share hopes for less jam time. No big backlash yet, most see the need.

Locals know the chowk's pain. Social media buzzes with traffic complaints, so this could quiet some gripes. If approved, expect more chatter on timelines and costs.

What's Ahead?

Approval is key. Punjab reviews it now. If yes, tenders follow, then shovels hit the ground. It could take months to start, a year or more to finish. Similar projects give clues.

Long-term, it ties into bigger plans. Margalla Avenue link, more underpasses, and twin cities grow connected. For drivers, patience pays. Watch for updates; this could reshape your route.

In a crowded area, small changes count. This underpass targets a sore spot. If built, mornings get easier. Fingers crossed for quick nods. For more updates, visit DrivePK.com