RAWALPINDI:
The proposed widening, resurfacing and signal-free corridor project for Murree Road, Rawalpindi’s largest, oldest and only central thoroughfare, has triggered 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 expand 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 increased from 9 billion rupees to 12 billion rupees, with officials warning that costs could rise further due to rising prices of construction materials.
Murree Road has remained chronically congested for over five decades, especially along the Liaquat Bagh-Chandni Chowk stretch. It is the only major artery connecting entry and exit points of the city, serving intra-city traffic as well as access to wholesale markets, freight terminals, police stations, district courts and the offices of the commissioner, deputy commissioner and senior police officials.
Traffic jams on the corridor peak daily between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., extending until midnight during festivals, with vehicles often remaining stuck for hours.
Initially, the RDA had proposed a traffic corridor without signals with the creation of service roads thanks to a widening of 10 feet on both sides. However, the revised plan to acquire 15 to 20 feet has alarmed traders and residents.
Representatives of the Murree Road Traders Association, including Chaudhry Tanveer Khan, Faisal Rathore, Tanveer Shah and Sajid Khan, warned that the revised design would lead to the loss of historical heritage, including shops and buildings dating back more than 50 years, libraries and even tombs in the 350-year-old Talli Shahaan cemetery.
They further warned that the expanded acquisition could also lead to the demolition of a historic Qadiani place of worship. While emphasizing that they are not opposed to the project itself, the traders demanded immediate consultations with owners of jewelry, electronics, confectionery and auto parts stores along the corridor.
Merchants called on the administration to offer compensation at prevailing market rates rather than official DC rates, as well as equivalent alternative trading space. They warned that failure to address these concerns would lead to protests, resistance and legal challenges in the High Court.
Officials confirmed the revised proposal and updated cost estimates have been submitted to the provincial government. Upon receipt of approval, the RDA will prepare a new feasibility study. Officials say that once completed, the project will transform Murree Road into a completely signal-free traffic corridor, significantly improving traffic flow in the city.
