The Punjab Government has announced one of the region’s biggest urban mobility projects — a 25 km signal-free corridor connecting Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Designed to ease crippling congestion, the project is expected to streamline travel between twin cities that have long struggled with traffic bottlenecks.
Signal-Free Corridor: A Major Urban Transformation
Construction is expected to begin immediately, with completion targeted for April next year. The plan includes nine underpasses and three flyovers, engineered to ensure uninterrupted travel across key routes. With a total estimated cost of Rs 30 billion, this corridor aims to make commuting faster, smoother, and more reliable for millions of daily travelers. The project focuses on reducing heavy traffic signals, easing choke points, and creating a high-capacity route suitable for cars, buses, and commercial vehicles.
Why the Project Matters for Twin Cities
For decades, Islamabad and Rawalpindi have faced severe congestion, especially on major connecting arteries. Long queues at signals, unpredictable delays, and fuel wastage have become a routine part of daily travel. This project is expected to significantly reduce travel time, cut down fuel consumption, and improve the flow of traffic across business districts, residential zones, and motorway access points. Better connectivity is also expected to support economic activities, enhance logistics efficiency, and improve overall urban mobility for both cities.
Challenges That Could Slow Down Progress
While the project is promising, several challenges need to be addressed to ensure its success. Large-scale construction projects in Pakistan often face delays due to funding hurdles, contractor inefficiencies, and administrative slowdowns. Traffic management during construction will also be crucial. With already congested roads, poorly planned diversions could worsen daily travel. Long-term sustainability is another factor — consistent maintenance, modern traffic management systems, and strict enforcement will be needed to keep the corridor efficient once completed.
Final Thoughts
The Rs 30 billion Islamabad–Rawalpindi signal-free corridor is an ambitious step toward solving one of the region’s most persistent issues: traffic congestion. If completed on time and managed effectively, the project could redefine urban mobility for the twin cities. Faster commutes, reduced fuel costs, and improved connectivity will directly benefit residents, businesses, and regional development. Its success depends on timely execution and a strong commitment to maintenance, but the vision marks a major leap toward a more modern and efficient transportation network.
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