The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has proposed a massive infrastructure overhaul for one of the city's busiest arteries. The PKR 17 billion project aims to transform the stretch of Murree Road from Liaquat Bagh to Chandni Chowk into a modern, high-capacity corridor.
Key Project Highlights
The revised expansion plan is designed to tackle chronic congestion and provide much-needed relief to thousands of daily commuters:
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Road Widening: The existing road will be widened by 5 feet on both sides (increasing from 15ft to 20ft).
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New Service Lanes: A 3-kilometer stretch will feature new service lanes to separate local and through-traffic.
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Signal-Free Corridor: Once complete, the project will create a signal-free flow from Marrir Chowk all the way to Faizabad.
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Modern Facilities: The plan includes the construction of dedicated parking plazas to prevent roadside obstructions.
Land Acquisition and Funding
A significant portion of the budget approximately PKR 17.7 billion has been earmarked specifically for the acquisition of 48 kanals of land required for the expansion. The proposal is currently awaiting final approval from the Punjab government for inclusion in the Annual Development Programme (ADP).
"Once completed, the upgraded road is expected to significantly reduce travel time and improve the overall aesthetic and commercial value of the area," stated a senior RDA official.
Current Status
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Surveys: Land surveys are already active on both sides of the corridor.
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Timeline: Construction is slated to begin immediately following the release of provincial funds and final design approval.
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Integration: The new lanes will connect seamlessly with existing service lanes between Chandni Chowk and Faizabad, creating a unified traffic management system.
