LAHORE: The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) is planning a major remodeling of Pine Avenue, one of Lahore’s fastest-growing economic and business corridors, to improve traffic flow and provide modern civic facilities.
According to LDA Director General Tahir Farooq, a proposal has been sent to the Punjab government for the construction of an underpass at Shanu Baba Chowk on Pine Avenue under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2026-27.
The proposed underpass will connect Pine Avenue with New Defence Road and nearby areas. The existing roundabout at the intersection will be removed to make way for the project.
Mr Farooq said the underpass is expected to reduce traffic congestion and ensure smoother movement of vehicles in the area. He added that the project has been forwarded to the provincial government for approval.
Responding to suggestions about constructing the underpass on Defence Road instead of Pine Avenue, the DG said there are technical challenges related to right of way and heavy traffic movement. However, he said the option of building underpasses on Defence Road could be reviewed in the future.
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Pine Avenue has become an important economic and commercial corridor in Lahore. The road network has expanded over the years and now connects several major roads, housing societies and commercial areas, including Valencia, Johar Town, Lake City, DHA Rahber, LDA City and Ferozepur Road.
The LDA is also working on several other development plans for Pine Avenue. These include removing concrete dividers between the main road and service roads from Qadir Tobash Chowk to Shanu Baba Chowk. The move will increase the road width from six lanes to eight lanes.
The authority also plans to redesign service roads with reflector studs (cat-eyes) to improve safety and help control vehicle speed.
Two pedestrian bridges are also proposed on Pine Avenue. One bridge will be built near the under-construction Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital, while another is planned between Shanu Baba Chowk and the Ring Road interchange.
To improve pedestrian safety, the LDA is considering the installation of speed breakers and pelican traffic signals, especially near the cancer hospital.
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The development plan also includes the creation of green belts on both sides of Pine Avenue. Trees and plants will be planted, while benches will be installed to provide recreational space for residents and visitors.
Mr Farooq said the LDA has also proposed several other infrastructure projects for ADP 2026-27, including an elevated expressway from Gulberg to Babu Sabu and underpasses at Karim Block in Iqbal Town, Kutchehry Chowk and GPO Chowk.
Meanwhile, the authority is working on a proposal to introduce a uniform commercialisation policy along Pine Avenue. If approved, the plan could generate around Rs134 billion in commercialisation fees over the next five years.
The proposal aims to regulate commercial activities, prevent illegal commercialisation and support planned development along the corridor. Under the proposal, commercial use would be allowed mainly on plots with a depth of 200 feet facing Pine Avenue.
Officials say the rapid population growth, increasing traffic volume, major infrastructure projects and the construction of the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital have made the redevelopment of Pine Avenue necessary.
