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Rawalpindi is among one of the most populated cities of Pakistan and faces alot of traffic issues at city centers. Kacheri Chowk Rawalpindi is a major intersection point in the main city often choked with heavy traffic. In May 2026, Kacheri Chowk Rawalpindi was remodelled and renamed as Marka-e-Haq Square to provide better travel experience to the citizens of the city. 

This blog will take you through the background, details and future prospects of the remodelling of Kacheri Chowk.

The Signal-Free Corridor 

The Government of Punjab has carried out the modification of Kacheri Chowk as a part of the larger project to make a signal-free corridor in Rawalpindi. This corridor stretches from Annex Chowk to GPO Chowk. This corridor aims to provide a continuous and smooth traffic flow. For this the traffic choke points were first targeted the most prominent of which was Kacheri Chowk. The ultimate goal was to reduce citizens' travel time which was often lost in congested traffic. 

Kacheri Chowk Rawalpindi 

Kacheri Chowk is a major intersection point in Rawalpindi receiving traffic from multiple routes. It lies along the Grand Trunk (GT) road and so receives traffic from different areas of Rawalpindi and Islamabad and directs it towards Lahore. The main roads linking to this intersection are

• Rashid Minhas Road 
• Jhelum Road
• Adiala Road 
• Airport Road

Through these roads the intersection is connected to Rawalpindi’s commercial and residential areas, cantonment area, suburbs of the city as well as traffic from Islamabad and Airport.

Kacheri Chowk has always been a busy point due to traffic from different routes. In addition to this, the presence of many important landmarks make it more susceptible to massive traffic flow. This intersection has a University (Fatima Jinnah Women University), Rawalpindi's district courts, Pakistan Army's GHQ and Commissioner Office. These important institutions increase the need and value of this traffic intersection point. 

Need for Kacheri Chowk Remodelling 

Kacheri Chowk has always been a hub for incoming city traffic. But the structural incapacity of the Chowk caused intense traffic congestion and bottleneck situations. This caused long vehicle queues, noise, delays and pedestrian safety to be compromised. According to a survey, Kacheri Chowk caters to 250,000 vehicles on a daily basis.

Long traffic jams caused fuel wastage along with high pollution emissions. Moreover, emergency situations such as ambulances transporting patients were mishandled. Proximity to educational institutions nearby had high pedestrian inflow posing a threat to their safety.

Project Executing Authorities 

Restructuring was planned and monitored by government bodies while construction and technical work was carried out by private partners.

• Planning and feasibility studies were carried out by Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA)
• Funding and monitoring was carried out by Punjab Communication and Works (C&W)
• Local planning for traffic diversion was assisted by Rawalpindi District Administration 
• The main development was conducted by Frontier Works Organization (FWO)
• Technical and engineering assistance was provided by National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK)
• Green belts and aesthetic beautification was carried out by Park and Horticulture Authority (PHA)

Kacheri Chowk Remodelling Details

This was a high- budget project with a total cost of 19 billion Rs. The project targeted infrastructure modification to cater the large traffic needs of the area. It was completed in a period of 6 months, to be more specific a total 187 days. This time duration has set an example for any future public infrastructure related mega project in Punjab. 

The project includes the following features 

1. Flyovers and Underpasses: A set of two flyovers and three underpasses is developed to distribute the traffic flow. This would still allow traffic from multiple points to be directed towards the intersection but the traffic from different routes would not be directly intersecting each other. This would ultimately reduce congestion and travel time.
2. Pedestrian Bridges: Two separated pedestrian bridges are provided for pedestrians to move freely without moving across heavy and fast traffic. One bridge provides a connection between district courts and FBR office while the other between FJWU and Adiala Road bus stand. This provides safety to the walkers and prevents traffic disruptions coming from pedestrians crossing roads. 
3. Aesthetic Appeal: The project also involved planting of different plant species to counter the heat and pollution from the heavy traffic. This not only supports the urban green cover but also adds beauty to the project 
4. Urban Flooding Management: Drainage wells are developed for collecting rain water to prevent flooding of the intersection.

From Kacheri Chowk to Marka-e-Haq Square

Once the Kacheri Chowk remodelling was completed within a record time duration of 179 days, it was inaugurated on May 10, 2026 by the Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz Shareef under the name of Marka-e-Haq Square. The intersection has now been named under the memory of the historic victory Pakistan's defence forces had in the operation Bunyan-al-Marsus against India. This not only gives pride to the victory but also provides a fresh Identity to the intersection.

Challenges

Many projects in Pakistan had high budgets involved but long-term stability and durability is limited. To prevent this project from a similar fate, regular maintenance is necessary. Furthermore, laws and regulations related to traffic flow and divers’ conduct to be followed and implemented. Not to mention the role of effective public transport in the area can reduce the traffic pressures in the area and enhance the project's longevity.

Kacheri Chowk has been an important intersection point for the city's traffic flow. The remodelling of Kacheri Chowk is a vital step to reduce traffic congestion providing alternative routes at the main intersection through flyovers and underpasses. The project also incorporates a beautification program, drainage system and pedestrian bridges for the benefit of a larger public. This project is expected to bring harmony to the area's commute network and urban layout.