Murree Road remained completely blocked due to traffic jams. PHOTO: AGHA MAHROZ/EXPRESS/FILE
RAWALPINDI:
The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has prepared a plan to construct an additional 10-15 feet wide lane on both sides of Murree Road from Liaquat Bagh to Chandni Chowk, covering a stretch of two kilometers, at an estimated cost of Rs9 billion.
Under the proposed project, commercial structures along Murree Road will be demolished and land acquisition will be carried out to get the required space.
However, the Rawalpindi Traders Association rejected the project, calling it an economic blow to traders due to removal of trade zones.
According to details, traffic remains severely affected throughout the day on this stretch due to the reduced width of the road, causing traffic jams and disrupting access to public and private offices and educational institutions.
On the other hand, traffic is smooth beyond Chandni Chowk towards Faizabad due to wider lanes and the presence of flyovers.
It may be recalled that during the Metro Bus project, an elevated track from Saddar to Faizabad was constructed to avoid massive land acquisition costs and loss of commercial areas.
However, the two-kilometre 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, up to 15 feet on both sides, subject to approval and funding from the Punjab government.
Once implemented, approximately 70 to 80 percent of the commercial area along this stretch would either be completely eliminated or significantly reduced.
Central Traders Association president Sharjeel Mir said traders were not considered stakeholders and rejected the project, warning it would wipe out a two-kilometre-long trading zone on Murree Road.
