The Punjab government has approved a new transport plan to ease traffic congestion in Rawalpindi by relocating major bus stands and transport hubs outside the city.
Under the initiative, Pirwadhai General Bus Stand and other public and goods transport facilities will be moved to sites along the Rawalpindi Ring Road, while terminals operating within the city will be closed.
Heavy vehicles will be barred from inflowing Rawalpindi and severe action will be taken against violators.
Pirwadhai Bus Stand will be brought under complete government control and advanced as a central terminal for inter-district, intra-city, and Rawalpindi–Islamabad routes.
Local bus services will function with charges ranging from Rs20 to Rs50.
Authorities will also redirect transport routes, diverting vehicles from Peshawar toward a terminal near Islamabad Airport, while traffic from Punjab will enter via the Ring Road.
Transport from Azad Kashmir will halt near Bharakahu, and vehicles from other districts will be directed through Rawat as work on lingering Ring Road sections continues.
Shaheen Chowk underpass opens for traffic
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the opening of Shaheen Chowk a major development project in Islamabad, aimed at improving traffic flow and urban infrastructure.
Earlier, the M-Tag had been granted a 15-day extension which has no ended. Minister Talal Chaudhry had announced the extension, which was decided after consultations with public representatives. 15 January 2026 marked the final day of the M-Tag deadline; long queues were observed outside the registration office.
The move aims to allow contractors to finalise pending work without compromising quality, while keeping the project on track to meet Islamabad’s development goals.
Minister Naqvi said the Shaheen Chowk, Murree Road underpass, Serena Chowk and Business Station Centre projects were successfully completed this year. The Capital Development Authority (CDA), contractors and other relevant agencies jointly ensured timely completion.
Also read: Shaheen Chowk underpass opens for traffic
