Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif officially inaugurated Marka-e-Haq Square at Kachehri Chowk in Rawalpindi on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in the city’s urban development. She also assessed the progress of major signal-free corridor projects designed to improve traffic management and upgrade the urban infrastructure.
The inauguration celebrated the completion of what officials described as Pakistan’s first large-scale urban traffic initiative, finished in a record 179 days—well ahead of the 190-day target. Following the unveiling ceremony, prayers were held to commemorate the occasion.
Subsequently, the chief minister toured various sections of the signal-free corridor, inspecting newly built underpasses, overhead bridges, and other road infrastructure enhancements. During her visit, she evaluated ongoing work at critical junctions such as Annexe Chowk and Taji PO Chowk, where signal-free traffic systems are being installed to alleviate congestion.
Provincial Minister Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bharath provided a briefing on the project’s status, noting that the corridor is expected to serve over 200,000 vehicles daily upon completion. Currently, the corridor includes five underpasses, two overhead bridges, and pedestrian bridges, with plans for additional underpasses at Race Course, Charing Cross, and AFIC Chowk.
The comprehensive Rawalpindi signal-free corridor aims to establish a 25-kilometer continuous traffic route extending from Rawat to the motorway. The full project will feature nine underpasses and three flyovers to facilitate smoother traffic flow across the city.
Officials also emphasized the construction of the city’s first advanced pedestrian bridge at Marka-e-Haq Square, enhancing pedestrian safety and accessibility.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz remarked that the signal-free corridor project would profoundly transform Rawalpindi’s urban landscape and modernize its transportation infrastructure. Authorities confirmed that two phases of the Rawat-to-motorway corridor have been completed, with the third phase nearing completion.
