The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has unveiled plans to construct a new expressway that will link Arfa Karim Tower to Pine Avenue on Raiwind Road, a project aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity across southern Lahore.
As per the standpoints of officials, the project’s PC-1 has been finalized and submitted for approval, while the LDA has also sought a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) to proceed with initial work.
LDA Chief Engineer Israr Saeed confirmed that the estimated cost exceeds Rs 9 billion and said the expressway has been designed as an environmentally friendly urban corridor. “This project is going to provide major relief to Lahore’s traffic by offering a new, direct route for thousands of commuters traveling between central and southern parts of the city,” claimed Israr Saeed.
A New Route for the City
The city’s main traffic flow toward southern Lahore passes through Kalma Chowk, which is often choked during peak hours. The new expressway is going to divert vehicles from Arfa Karim Tower directly toward Raiwind Road, ultimately resulting in minimizing travel time and traffic blockage in the area.
In the first phase, construction will cover the stretch from Arfa Karim Tower to Maulana Shaukat Ali Road, while later phases will extend the route all the way to Pine Avenue.
Officials kept on saying that a topographic survey of the whole corridor has already been completed, paving the way for design and alignment work. The expressway will feature a three-lane dual carriageway equipped with modern safety and drainage infrastructure.
A Landmark Urban Project
Described as one of Lahore’s upcoming landmark infrastructure projects, the expressway is expected to transform mobility and urban development along its route. The finalized PC-1 will soon be presented to the Planning and Development Department for formal approval, after which tenders for construction are anticipated to be floated.
Officials keep on saying that after final completion, the expressway will not only ease pressure on existing roads but also going to enhance real estate and commercial activity in the surrounding areas.