04/09/2026
TWO-MONTH DELAY IN ROAD RECONSTRUCTION LEAVES RAWALPINDI COMMUTERS AT RISK
Residents Demand Immediate Action on 22 No. Chungi–Bakra Mandi Road; Potholes, Dust and Traffic Congestion Make Daily Travel Hazardous
RAWALPINDI (Special Report): Residents and commuters are facing severe difficulties after a major road from 22 No. Chungi to Bakra Mandi Chowk was dug up on both sides for reconstruction and repair work but has remained incomplete for nearly two months. The deteriorated condition of the road has made travel increasingly dangerous, with residents reporting frequent accidents and prolonged traffic congestion.
According to local residents, the road was excavated approximately two months ago as part of a reconstruction project. However, the work has yet to be completed, leaving large potholes, uneven surfaces and broken sections along the route. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable, while motorists also face considerable difficulty navigating the damaged road.
Residents said the situation is especially concerning because two to three schools are located along the road. During morning arrival and afternoon dismissal hours, the movement of students, parents, school vans and other vehicles significantly increases traffic pressure and raises the risk of accidents.
The unfinished construction work has also disrupted the normal flow of traffic. Long queues and congestion have become a routine problem, particularly during peak morning and evening hours, causing delays for commuters and residents of nearby areas.
The situation reportedly becomes even more hazardous during rainfall. Water accumulates in damaged sections of the road, concealing potholes and making it difficult for drivers and motorcyclists to assess road conditions. Residents fear that this could lead to serious accidents if the road is not repaired promptly.
In addition to safety concerns, dust and loose soil from the incomplete construction work have created further inconvenience for residents, shopkeepers, pedestrians and commuters throughout the day.
Citizens alleged that the contractor responsible for the project had left the work incomplete and said they had seen no effective measures by the relevant authorities to ensure its timely completion. They questioned why such an important road remained unfinished after nearly two months and demanded that responsibility for the delay be determined.
Residents and representatives of civil society have urged the Director General, Military Lands and Cantonments, the Executive Officer concerned, and other relevant authorities to take immediate notice of the situation and ensure that reconstruction and repair work is completed without further delay.
They have also called for an inquiry into the alleged poor planning and prolonged delay, demanding that officials and contractors found responsible be held accountable.
Citizens stressed that urgent action is necessary not only to restore smooth traffic flow but also to protect schoolchildren, motorcyclists, motorists and pedestrians from potentially serious accidents.
Reported By: M. Irfan Tahir Chohan
