RAWALPINDI:
The proposed widening, resurfacing and signal-free corridor project for Murree Road, Rawalpindi’s largest, oldest and only major artery, 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 expand land acquisition on both sides of Murree Road, from Liaquat Bagh Chowk to Chandni Chowk, from the originally proposed 10 feet to 15 to 20 feet.
As a result, the estimated cost of the project has risen from Rs 9 billion to Rs 12 billion, and officials warn that costs may rise further due to rising prices for construction materials.
Murree Road has remained chronically congested for over five decades, particularly along the stretch from Liaquat Bagh to Chandni Chowk. It is the only major artery connecting the entry and exit points of the city, serving intra-city traffic as well as access to wholesale markets, goods transport terminals, police stations, 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, and extends until midnight during festivals, with vehicles frequently idling for hours.
Initially, the RDA had proposed a signal-free traffic corridor with the creation of service lanes by widening them by 10 feet on both sides. However, the revised plan to acquire 15 to 20 feet has alarmed both merchants and residents.
Representatives of the Murree Road Traders’ Association, including Chaudhry Tanveer Khan, Faisal Rathore, Tanveer Shah and Sajid Khan, warned that the revised layout 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 Talli Shahaan cemetery.
They further warned that the expanded acquisition could also lead to the demolition of a historic Qadiani place of worship. Although they stressed that they are not opposed to the project itself, the traders demanded immediate consultations with the owners of jewelry stores, electronics, candy and auto parts stores along the corridor.
Merchants asked the administration to offer compensation at prevailing market rates instead of official D.C. rates, along with equivalent alternative retail space. They warned that failure to address these concerns would lead to protests, resistance and legal challenges in the high court.
Officials confirmed that the revised proposal and updated cost estimates have been presented to the provincial government. Once approval is received, the RDA will prepare a new feasibility study. Officials maintain that once completed, the project will transform Murree Road into a completely signal-free traffic corridor, significantly improving traffic flow throughout the city.
