{
  "id": 20123471,
  "title": "Rs3bn AFIC underpass planned as part of signal-free corridor in Rawalpindi",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/rs3bn-afic-underpass-planned-as-part-of-signal-free-corridor-in",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-15T05:40:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn - Pakistan",
    "slug": "dawn-pakistan",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2044535/rs3bn-afic-underpass-planned-as-part-of-signal-free-corridor-in-rawalpindi"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Punjab Highway Department has prepared plans for a Rs3 billion underpass in front of the AFIC on The Mall, awaiting final approval from the Punjab government. The aim is to establish a signal-free corridor from Koral Chowk to Motorway Chowk, enabling a 20-minute commute from the Islamabad Expressway. The project, involving three government departments, includes rehabilitating the road from Motorway Chowk to Chur Chowk, constructing underpasses at Charing Cross and Race Course Park, and rehabilitating Old Airport Road from Koral Chowk to Ammar Chowk. The AFIC underpass could be completed within two to three months if the provincial government gives the go-ahead. The overall length of the signal-free corridor is 25 kilometers, aiming to reduce travel time to 15-20 minutes. Once completed, the renovated areas will feature uniform beautification and green belts, reflecting the Potohar region's culture.",
  "summary": "RAWALPINDI: The Punjab Highway Department has prepared a PC-I and design for an underpass in front of the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) on The Mall at an estimated cost of Rs3 billion and is awaiting formal approval from the Punjab government. A senior district administration official told Dawn that the Punjab government wanted to make the road from Koral Chowk to Motorway Chowk…",
  "key_points": [
    "Rs3bn underpass planned for AFIC in Rawalpindi.",
    "Signal-free corridor from Koral Chowk to Motorway Chowk.",
    "Completion within two to three months if approved."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Expanding the signal-free corridor through Rawalpindi streamlines regional transit and integrates urban beautification with infrastructure upgrades to significantly reduce travel times for commuters moving between key junctions.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}