New School Schedule Announced in Major Punjab City: Classes to Start at 7:45 AM
The New School Schedule Announced in Major Punjab City — Rawalpindi. According to an official notification issued by the Deputy Commissioner’s Office on November 5, 2025, all schools in the Cantt and City subdivisions will now operate from 7:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. instead of the previous 8:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
This new school schedule will remain effective until further notice and has been introduced to address severe traffic congestion caused by the ongoing Katchery Chowk construction project.
Reason for the Timing Change
The decision was taken after consistent complaints about traffic jams around the Katchery Chowk area, one of Rawalpindi’s most critical intersections. The reconstruction and flyover project currently underway has disrupted daily commuting for thousands of students, parents, and office-goers.
By moving school start times one hour earlier, the district administration aims to ease rush-hour pressure and ensure a safer, smoother commute for students.
Officials explained that the new schedule will help schools avoid overlapping with office traffic hours, thereby reducing travel time and congestion in key routes connecting Saddar, Katchery, and Liaquat Road.
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Official Notification Details
In its official notice, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rawalpindi directed all heads of public and private schools within the Cantt and City limits to immediately follow the revised timings.
The notification has been shared with:
- Chief Secretary Punjab
- Secretary to the Chief Minister
- Secretary Higher Education Department
- Secretary School Education Department
- Chief Traffic Officer Rawalpindi
According to the DC Office, compliance will be strictly monitored, and any school found violating the new timing schedule may face administrative action.
Statement from the District Administration
An official statement from the Deputy Commissioner’s Office reads:
“Due to ongoing construction at Katchery Chowk and the resulting traffic congestion, it has been decided to adjust school timings from 8:45 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. to ensure the safety and convenience of students, parents, and staff members. This measure is temporary but essential for smooth traffic management.”
The administration emphasized that the step was taken after consulting with education authorities and traffic police to minimize public inconvenience.
Public Reaction and Parents’ Concerns
The decision has drawn mixed reactions from parents and school authorities. Many welcomed the move, saying early hours would reduce travel delays and help children reach home earlier.
However, some parents have expressed concerns about cold morning weather as winter approaches. “It’s a reasonable decision for traffic management, but schools should make sure that children are protected from early-morning chill,” said one parent from Satellite Town.
Private schools have also been advised to coordinate transportation routes efficiently to match the updated schedule and ensure punctual pick-ups for students.
Traffic Police’s Role in Implementation
The Rawalpindi Traffic Police has been directed to actively assist during the transition period. Special wardens will be deployed near major school zones including:
- Katchery Road
- Saidpur Road
- Murree Road
- Saddar Area
- Peshawar Road
Their role is to regulate vehicle movement, guide school vans, and manage alternative routes for private vehicles.
The traffic department confirmed that multiple diversions have already been created to minimize gridlocks during morning hours.
About the Katchery Chowk Construction Project
The Katchery Chowk Remodeling Project is one of Rawalpindi’s largest urban development initiatives. Once completed, the project will include:
- A two-level underpass and flyover system
- Dedicated lanes for heavy traffic
- Pedestrian-safe crossings
- Improved drainage and lighting infrastructure
The total estimated cost of the project is over Rs. 6 billion, with completion expected in mid-2026. During construction, several lanes have been closed, leading to serious traffic congestion during school and office hours.
Temporary Measure Until Project Completion
The district administration has clarified that the 7:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. schedule is temporary. Once the project is finished and traffic returns to normal, schools will revert to their previous 8:45 a.m. schedule.
Meanwhile, educational institutions have been requested to adjust exam timetables and daily assemblies accordingly to maintain smooth academic activities.
Benefits of the New Schedule
The revised school timings are expected to bring several short-term benefits for both students and the general public:
| Expected Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Reduced Traffic Pressure | Early start helps spread out traffic and reduce morning congestion. |
| Increased Student Safety | Less crowded roads lower accident risk for school vans. |
| Efficient Use of Daylight | Especially helpful during winter mornings. |
| Faster Commute Time | Parents and buses will save significant travel time. |
| Improved Traffic Discipline | Helps coordinate school and office hours efficiently. |
How Schools Will Implement the Change
The Education Departments have issued the following steps for all school administrations:
- Update official notice boards with the revised 7:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. timing.
- Notify parents through SMS, WhatsApp groups, and parent portals.
- Adjust transportation schedules for vans and buses to ensure on-time arrival.
- Inform teachers and staff to be present at least 15 minutes earlier.
- Coordinate with traffic police if school gates are located on major roads.
Authorities have urged schools to implement the new schedule immediately to avoid confusion.
Broader Context: Punjab’s Focus on Urban Mobility
This decision comes shortly after the Punjab Government launched a Dubai-style smart traffic management system in major cities, including Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Faisalabad. The initiative integrates AI-based surveillance, e-challan automation, and live route monitoring.
The early school-timing shift complements these broader efforts aimed at reducing congestion and improving road safety for daily commuters.
Expert Opinion
Urban planning experts have praised the move as a smart interim solution. According to traffic analyst Engr. Kashif Malik, adjusting institutional hours during infrastructure work is common practice globally.
“Cities like Dubai, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur have successfully implemented time staggering for schools and offices during urban development projects. It’s a temporary but highly effective measure to balance traffic density.”
Future Plans for Traffic Improvement
The Rawalpindi administration is also considering several long-term traffic solutions:
- Expansion of Murree Road corridor
- Introduction of dedicated school pick-up zones
- Public transport route restructuring after project completion
- Launch of a real-time traffic update app for residents
These initiatives are expected to enhance the city’s mobility infrastructure beyond the Katchery Chowk project.
Reactions from Educational Institutions
Heads of major schools such as Divisional Public School, Roots International, and Sir Syed Public School have confirmed compliance with the new schedule. They expressed full cooperation, noting that the early schedule may actually increase attendance rates and reduce tardiness caused by morning jams.
School managements have also requested parents to arrive five minutes earlier at pick-up points to prevent roadside parking congestion.
Public Advisory
Residents are advised to:
- Plan morning travel earlier than usual.
- Avoid unnecessary stops near school zones.
- Use alternative routes where possible.
- Keep track of official updates from the DC Office’s social-media handles.
The administration has also established dedicated help lines for school authorities facing operational challenges during the adjustment period.
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FAQs about New School Schedule in Major Punjab City:
1. Which city has announced the new school schedule?
The new schedule applies to Rawalpindi, a major city in Punjab.
2. What are the new school timings?
From 7:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., effective immediately.
3. Why was the change made?
To reduce traffic congestion due to ongoing Katchery Chowk construction.
4. How long will this schedule stay in effect?
It will remain until construction is completed and traffic normalizes.
5. Are all schools affected?
Yes — both public and private schools in Cantt and City subdivisions.
6. What were the previous timings?
Previously, schools operated from 8:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
7. Is this applicable to colleges?
Currently, only schools are included, but colleges have been advised to cooperate.
8. Who issued the notification?
The order was released by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rawalpindi on November 5, 2025.
Conclusion – New School Schedule Announced in Major Punjab City
The new school schedule in Rawalpindi, shifting opening time from 8:45 a.m. to 7:45 a.m., demonstrates the government’s responsiveness to urban challenges. With major development at Katchery Chowk ongoing, this proactive step will help reduce congestion, enhance safety, and maintain educational continuity across the city.
While temporary, the change highlights the administration’s commitment to balancing infrastructure growth with public convenience — a model other cities may soon follow.
