Kachehri Chowk Traffic Corridor Opens – Marka-e-Haq Square Inaugurated

Rawalpindi has just received one of its most transformative urban upgrades in decades. The Kachehri Chowk traffic corridor – officially named Marka–e–Haq Square – has been completed and was formally inaugurated on Sunday afternoon. This Rs19 billion mega–project promises to end years of gridlock at one of the city’s busiest intersections and deliver uninterrupted, signal–free traffic flow across multiple major roads.

Kachehri Chowk Traffic Corridor – Overview

The Kachehri Chowk traffic corridor is a multi–level interchange system built at the historic District Courts Chowk in Rawalpindi. The project replaces the old signal–controlled intersection with a modern network of elevated and underground roadways designed to keep vehicles moving without stops.

The complete project includes:

• Two flyovers carrying traffic over the main intersection
• Three underpasses routing vehicles beneath the junction
• Two steel pedestrian overhead bridges for safe foot traffic
• A modern six–sided pedestrian crossing bridge – currently in its final completion stages

Together, these structures transform one of Rawalpindi’s worst bottlenecks into a free–flowing, multi–directional interchange.

Construction Timeline – 187 Days

One of the most impressive aspects of the Kachehri Chowk traffic corridor is the speed at which it was built. Construction officially began on November 3, 2025, and the entire project was completed in just 187 days. Workers operated in three rotating shifts around the clock to meet the tight deadline.

Since November 2025, the project’s cost gradually rose to nearly Rs19 billion as the scope of the elevated crossing component was expanded during construction. Despite the increased scale, the team delivered the project on schedule – a notable achievement for a public infrastructure undertaking of this size in Pakistan.

Inauguration Ceremony Details

The inauguration ceremony was held on Sunday afternoon with full official protocol. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz attended as the chief guest, while Aamir Khattak and Hassan Waqar Cheema hosted the event.

An inauguration plaque bearing the name of the Chief Minister was installed at the site well before the ceremony. A complete rehearsal for the opening event had already been conducted, invitations were issued to dignitaries and officials, and comprehensive security arrangements were put in place.

Landscaping, Lighting, and Final Touches

In the days leading up to the inauguration, final preparations at the Kachehri Chowk traffic corridor site were carried out under strict access restrictions. The finishing work covered every detail:

• Landscaping: Large ornamental trees, flowering plants, and decorative greenery were transported on heavy trailers and positioned around the interchange. Fresh turf was laid along the flyover corridors, service roads, and surrounding verges. Landscaping beneath the flyovers was also completed to give the area a clean, green appearance.
• Lighting: Testing of LED lighting and decorative illumination systems was completed overnight. The lighting and traffic signalling systems across the entire corridor are now fully operational.
• Cleaning: More than 100 sanitary workers were deployed on an emergency basis for site–wide cleaning and preparation.
• Carpeting: Road carpeting work on both flyovers and all four adjoining service roads has been finished, ensuring smooth driving surfaces from day one.

Roads Benefiting from This Corridor

The opening of the Kachehri Chowk traffic corridor is set to have a ripple effect across Rawalpindi’s road network. Following the inauguration, traffic is expected to move without signals along several of the city’s most congested arteries:

• Mall Road – Rawalpindi’s central commercial spine
• Jhelum Road – a key north–south connector
• Rashid Minhas Road – linking residential and commercial zones
• Old Airport Road – serving areas near the former Chaklala Airport entrance
• Nearby connecting arteries – benefiting from the reduced congestion at the central interchange

For commuters who have spent years stuck at the Kachehri Chowk signals during peak hours, this is a game–changing development.

Why the Name Marka-e-Haq Square?

The remodelled intersection has been officially renamed Marka–e–Haq Square (معرکۂ حق اسکوائر). The renaming is presented as a tribute to Pakistan Armed Forces personnel who participated in the Maarka–e–Haq (Bunyan al–Marsous) operation.

A white marble commemorative gateway linked to the operation has been erected at the site. Additionally, digital display screens installed at Marka–e–Haq Square are showing images of key national figures – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir, PML–N Patron Nawaz Sharif, and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Why This Project Matters

Rawalpindi has long suffered from severe traffic congestion, particularly at central intersections like Kachehri Chowk. The area around the District Courts sees heavy foot and vehicle traffic throughout the day, and the old signal–based system simply could not handle the volume.

The Kachehri Chowk traffic corridor addresses this problem with a permanent, multi–level infrastructure solution rather than temporary traffic management measures. By separating traffic flows vertically – through flyovers and underpasses – the project eliminates the need for signals and dramatically reduces wait times.

Residents have welcomed the project’s completion and expressed optimism that it will significantly improve daily mobility across the city. For a metropolitan area that has seen limited large–scale infrastructure investment compared to Lahore and Islamabad, this project marks a step toward modern urban transit planning.

Key Facts at a Glance

Final Thoughts

The Kachehri Chowk traffic corridor is being described as one of Rawalpindi’s most advanced urban infrastructure projects – and that description seems well earned. Completed in under six months at a cost of Rs19 billion, the Marka–e–Haq Square interchange brings signal–free travel to some of the city’s busiest roads and sets a new benchmark for public works delivery in the region.

Whether you are a daily commuter navigating Mall Road or a resident of the surrounding neighbourhoods, the opening of this corridor is likely to make a noticeable difference in your travel time. Rawalpindi’s roads have taken a significant step forward.

Did you find this article helpful? Share it with fellow Rawalpindi residents and commuters who have been waiting for relief at Kachehri Chowk.