RAWALPINDI:
The proposed widening, reconstruction and signal-free corridor project for Murree Road, Rawalpindi’s biggest, oldest and only central arterial road, has sparked strong opposition from traders after a revised plan increased both land acquisition and project costs.
Under the new proposal, the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) plans to widen the land acquisition on both sides of Murree Road — from Liaquat Bagh Chowk to Chandni Chowk — from the initially proposed 10 feet to between 15 and 20 feet.
As a result, the estimated cost of the project has risen from Rs9 billion to Rs12b, with officials warning that the cost may rise further due to rising construction material prices.
Murree Road has been chronically congested for more than five decades, especially along the Liaquat Bagh to Chandni Chowk stretch. It is the only major artery that connects the entry and exit points of the city and serves intra-city traffic as well as access to wholesale markets, freight terminals, police stations, the district courts and the offices of the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and senior police officials.
Traffic jams on the corridor peak daily between 07:00 and 23:00, extending until midnight during festivals, where vehicles often remain stuck for hours.
Initially, the RDA had proposed a signal-free traffic corridor with creation of service lanes through a 10-feet widening on both sides. But the revised plan to acquire 15 to 20 feet has alarmed traders and residents alike.
Representatives of the Murree Road Traders Association, including Chaudhry Tanveer Khan, Faisal Rathore, Tanveer Shah and Sajid Khan, warned that the revised design would result in the loss of historical heritage, including shops and buildings dating back more than 50 years, libraries and even tombs in the 350-year-old Shahaan burial ground.
They further warned that the extended acquisition could also lead to the demolition of a historic Qadiani place of worship. While stressing that they are not opposed to the project itself, the traders demanded immediate consultations with owners of jewellery, electronics, sweets and auto parts shops along the corridor.
The traders urged the administration to offer compensation at prevailing market rates instead of official DC rates along with equivalent alternative commercial space. They warned that failure to address these concerns would result in protests, opposition and legal challenges in the High Court.
Officials confirmed that the revised proposal and updated cost estimates have been submitted to the provincial government. After receiving the approval, the RDA will prepare a new feasibility study. Authorities maintain that once completed, the project will transform Murree Road into a completely signal-free traffic corridor, significantly improving traffic flow through the city.
