Established on Islamabad Express Highway, Khanna Pul is the beating heart that offers a steady flow of transport among the twin cities and nearby areas. For a significant portion of the local population, this bridge is a daily route.
Khana Bridge goes beyond being a physical link; for decades now, it’s been a cultural and economic cornerstone. Yet despite its popularity, there is a lack of comprehensive information for those eager to understand this landmark’s importance.
So, in this blog, Graana.com will attempt to fill this void and explore how this bridge has woven itself into the daily fabric of locals.
Khanna Pul as a Pivotal Landmark
Constructed over three decades ago, Khanna Pul is more than a mere 50 ft wide concrete structure. As a reflection of the twin cities, it is a symbol of connectivity and progress. It’s where ancient meets modern, urban collides with suburban, and luxury meets necessity.
The Khanna Bridge serves as a rich and diverse hub with a collection of amenities scattered around it. These range from residential societies to schools, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, marques, colleges, commercial hubs, and cemeteries.
The bridge has witnessed the transformation of Islamabad from a budding capital to a thriving big city. Before getting into detail about Khanna Bridge, let’s look at the following facts about this popular place.
Khanna Bridge Flags | |
Location | Islamabad Express Highway, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan |
| Distance From Major Areas | Rawalpindi: 19 kms via Old Airport Rd |
Construction | Initial construction: Over three decades ago New construction: 2020 |
| Architectural Features | Standard Modernism |
Economic Impact | Hosts an Entire Fruit and Vegetable Market. |
| Recent and On-going Developments | Reconstruction in 2020 |
Future Developments | CDA plans to develop the surrounding area to combate encroachment issues. |
Historical Backdrop
Khanna Pul took root when Islamabad was still in its infancy. The bridge was built to solidify the connection between the new capital and its twin city. Moreover, the connection sought to establish a safe transportation route to remote rural areas with domestic businesses.
These primarily included agricultural or cattle businesses and handmade traditional artefacts. The meticulous construction placed the Khana Bridge among the common types of bridges with considerable engineering standards.
This phenomenon laid the foundation for a key landmark in both metropolitan areas. Over time, Khanna Pul has evolved into more than just a bridge. It has become a focal point for a diverse range of businesses, including malls and bazaars with a dedicated postal address (Dak) and various area directories.
Let’s explore some essential contact information
| Khanna Pul Directory | |
|---|---|
IESCO | (051) 9252937 |
| SNGPL | (051) 9257710 |
CDA Water Supply | 519252962 |
| Ambulance | 115 |
Fire Brigade | (051) 9253016 |
| Traffic Police | (051) 9263184 |
CDA | (051) 9253001 |
| Postal Code | 45551 |
Police | 15 |
Significance of Khanna Bridge
Venturing beyond its structural significance, Khanna Pul exercises a profound economic and social influence on the region. The bridge is not merely a conduit for traffic; it’s a thriving marketplace with vibrant commercial areas, bazaars, and a farmers’ market or fruit mandi, offering fresh produce at reasonable prices.
Economical Significance of Khanna Pul
The economic pulse of the area beats through the diverse businesses that have flourished around the bridge. Fruit vendors line the sides of the bridge, offering a rich range of colourful fruits that often lure drivers in.
These vendors, representing various parts of Pakistan, create a vibrant mosaic of cultural exchange. Small jewellery stores and stalls dot the bridge, adding to the locale’s artistic flair. The surrounding fruit market, with its vibrantly coloured tents, caters to the palate with juice and shake shops and provides a visual treat.
The Bridge as a Cultural Hub
Khanna Pul isn’t just a passageway on the Islamabad Expressway; it’s a social nexus where people from various parts of Pakistan converge. The wide range of vendors and businesses representing different regions of the country contributes to a rich scenery of cultural exchange.
This artistic and cultural dimension is vital to understanding the bridge’s significance beyond its practical function. The local dhabas, hotels, and gathering spots around the bridge become spaces for community building, further enhancing its social impact.
Impacts on Islamabad’s Infrastructure
Over the years, Khanna Pul has contributed to the infrastructure of twin cities in a way no other monumental construction has. It helped the city’s growth, urban planning and overall development.
Being a vital transportation artery, the bridge facilitates the movement of goods and people. Its strategic position in the city’s transportation network links key areas, including Lehtrar Road, Islamabad Expressway, GT road, Kalma Market, Pakistan Navy Recruitment Centre and many others.
Here’s a list of all the surrounding areas this bridge offers access to.
| Nearby places | Distance |
|---|---|
| Al-Noor Colony Sector 1,2,3 | 0.4 km |
| Ghouri Town Phase 1 VIP Block | 0.8 km |
| Shakrial UC 75 Janubi | 0.9 km |
| Shifa Housing Society | 0.9 km |
| Fazaia Colony | 1.2 km |
| Jahaz Ground Rawalpindi by Jamil Satti | 1.2 km |
| Ghouri Town | 1.3 km |
| Runway 12/30 | 1.9 km |
| PAF Base Nur Khan | 1.9 km |
| Old Runway | 2.2 km |
Impacts on Urban Development
It’s only natural that a route that offers easy access to transport and connectivity impacts the area’s urban development. From its early days to the present, Khanna Pul has been a silent witness to the city’s growth, acting as an urban architect in its own right.
Commercial Influence
Its presence has influenced the growth of surrounding areas, including the markets, commercial hubs and residential societies. People looking to expand their businesses found their respective spots around the bridge. This led to massive growth in markets, mandis, and other commercial hubs.
Gradually, big plazas, shopping malls and landmarks begin appearing around the bridge. Apart from this, a continual expansion of the Landa Bazar, fruit market, and seasonal Bakra Mandi (cattle and goat market) have also significantly contributed to the local economy.
Residential societies
The growth of business within the nearby region led to the rapid development of the housing societies. Now, with massive numbers of constructors working in close proximity, the market is full of opportunities to rent commercial properties for rent in Khanna Pul and residential properties for sale in Khanna Pul.
Challenges and Maintenance
A project as big as Khanna Pul goes through regular wear and tear. Throughout the years, this bridge has seen its share of challenges, from protests to weather-driven traffic jams, encroachment problems, and lack of attention from the authorities.
Encroachment Problems
Articles dating back to 2013 echo the persistent challenges locals face today – the issue of illegal encroachment. While Khanna Bridge once served as an inviting space for vendors to expand their businesses, it has now transformed into a potential danger zone.
Local residents express their concerns as a significant portion of the 50-ft wide Khanna Pul is occupied by fruit and vegetable vendors who seem to emerge daily. This not only heightens the risk of road incidents but also poses a threat to pedestrians leaning against the protective fencing, potentially causing damage to the infrastructure.
Despite numerous reports to the local police regarding these issues, little has been accomplished, leaving the promises for a safer tomorrow largely unfulfilled.
Traffic Irregularity
Khanna Pul experiences frequent traffic jams, often occurring due to protests and adverse weather conditions. The bridge becomes particularly congested during rush hours. A significant number of commuters neglect or disregard traffic rules, resulting in frequent car crashes in the vicinity.
Consequently, a few years ago, a police Station House Officer (SHO) faced dismissal due to inefficiency, highlighting the challenges faced in maintaining order. In 2018, there was a notable shift as the police became more actively involved in addressing issues related to Khanna Pul. While improvements are visible, there remains a need for further interventions to enhance traffic management and ensure a smoother flow of vehicles in the area.
Recent Maintenance
In 2020, significant maintenance efforts breathed new life into Khanna Pul. This initiative aimed at not only structural improvements but also enhancing the overall aesthetics of the bridge and its surroundings.
This facelift speaks volumes about the commitment to preserving and improving this crucial piece of infrastructure. As Khanna Pul continues to evolve, it remains a symbol of connectivity, resilience, and the vibrant spirit of the twin cities.
Conclusion
And that’s a wrap on our journey to understand Khanna Pul. While there might still be more to discover, the Graana team has gathered a lot from different sources, and we hope it has been useful to you. It’s important to realise how vital this bridge is and its impact on both cities.
If you think we missed anything or want to add more to what we’ve shared, feel free to leave a comment. This is all about uncovering the layers of Khanna Pul, not just as a bridge but as a part of the vibrant life in the twin cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers that can help you.
Is Khanna Pul in Islamabad or Rawalpindi?
Khanna Pul is located in Rawalpindi.
Is Khanna Pul open right now?
Yes, Khanna Pul is accessible 24 hours.
Which market is around Khanna Pul?
The market that surrounds Khanna Pul is called Khanna Market.
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