Murree Road widening plan sparks protest

Revised plan raises land acquisition and project cost to Rs12 billion

RAWALPINDI:

The proposed widening, resurfacing and signal-free corridor project for Murree Road, Rawalpindi's largest, oldest and only central arterial road, 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 originally 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 costs may increase further due to rising construction material prices.

Murree Road has remained chronically congested for more than five decades, particularly along the Liaquat Bagh to 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, goods transport terminals, police stations, the district courts, and the offices of the commissioner, deputy commissioner and senior police officials.

Traffic congestion on the corridor peaks daily between 7am and 11pm, extending until midnight during festivals, with vehicles frequently remaining gridlocked for hours.

Initially, the RDA had proposed a signal-free traffic corridor with the creation of service lanes through a 10-foot widening on both sides. However, 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 historic heritage, including shops and buildings dating back more than 50 years, libraries, and even graves at the 350-year-old Talli Shahaan graveyard.

They further cautioned that the expanded 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, sweet and auto parts shops along the corridor.

The traders called on the administration to offer compensation at prevailing market rates rather than official DC rates, along with equivalent alternative commercial space. They warned that failure to address these concerns would result in protests, resistance and legal challenges in the high court.

Officials confirmed that the revised proposal and updated cost estimates have been submitted to the provincial government. Upon receiving approval, the RDA will prepare a new feasibility study. Authorities maintain that once completed, the project will transform Murree Road into a fully signal-free traffic corridor, significantly improving traffic flow across the city.