Murree Road remained completely blocked due to traffic jams. PHOTO: AGHA MAHROZ/EXPRESS/FILE
RAWALPINDI:
The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has prepared a project to construct an additional 10 to 15 feet wide track on both sides of Murree Road from Liaquat Bagh to Chandni Chowk covering a two kilometer stretch at an estimated cost of Rs 9 billion.
Under the proposed project, commercial structures along Murree Road will be demolished and land acquisition will be carried out to obtain the required space.
However, the Rawalpindi Traders Association has rejected the plan, terming it a financial blow to traders due to the abolition of commercial areas.
According to details, traffic flow continues to be severely affected throughout the day on this stretch due to reduced road width, causing congestion and disrupting access to public and private offices and educational institutions.
In contrast, traffic flows smoothly beyond Chandni Chowk towards Faizabad due to wider tracks and the presence of flyovers.
It is recalled that under the Metro Bus project, an elevated track was constructed from Saddar to Faizabad to avoid massive land acquisition costs and loss of commercial areas.
However, the two kilometer long stretch between Liaquat Bagh and Chandni Chowk has again become a major bottleneck due to narrow roads and illegal parking.
The RDA plans to widen the road, including footpaths, by up to 15 feet on both sides, subject to approval and funding from the Punjab government.
Once implemented, about 70 to 80 percent of the commercial space along this stretch will be either completely eliminated or greatly reduced.
Central Traders Association president Sharjeel Mir said traders were not taken into confidence as stakeholders and rejected the project, warning that it would obliterate a two-kilometre long commercial zone on Murree Road.
