RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has planned major improvements on Murree Road from Saddar to Faizabad and the construction of a new service lane from Liaquat Bagh to Chandni Chowk. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs9 billion.
RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza told that the Punjab government had asked all civic bodies, including the RDA, to submit development plans for improving Rawalpindi. In response, the RDA sent two separate proposals to upgrade Murree Road, which is the main route linking Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
She said Murree Road urgently needs repair because most commuters between the twin cities use this route. The road has badly deteriorated, and once repaired, it will allow smooth and safe travel for the public.
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Speaking about the first project, the RDA chief said the authority plans to build service roads on both sides of Murree Road from Liaquat Bagh to Chandni Chowk.
This project, worth Rs8.1 billion, has already been prepared. She added that after adding the service lanes, the main road would become signal-free from Marrir Chowk to Faizabad.
However, the detailed design will be completed only after the Punjab government releases funds. A survey is already under way for land acquisition on both sides of the road, and construction work will start once the provincial government gives approval.
She said most of the allocated funds would be used to buy land. The widened road would not only improve the overall look of the area but also make travel easier for motorists. Service lanes already exist from Chandni Chowk to Faizabad, and the new lanes will further increase Murree Road’s traffic capacity.
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Talking about the second project, Ms Murtaza said Rs953 million would be used to repair and re-carpet Murree Road from Saddar Flashman’s to Faizabad. She said the last major repair work was done in 2014 after the construction of the Metro Bus elevated track.
The RDA has requested funds from the Punjab government for this project. She said the government is preparing a mega development package for Rawalpindi, and this project will be included in that package.
A senior district administration official said the government is working on a comprehensive plan to make Rawalpindi more spacious, clean and green. Development schemes are being prepared under the same model that brought major improvements in Lahore.
He added that from 2026 onward, the people of Rawalpindi will get better water supply, upgraded sewerage systems, cleaner surroundings and improved civic facilities.
