Murree Road, one of the most vital and heavily used corridors connecting Rawalpindi and Islamabad, is finally set for a major upgrade. The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has finalized two large-scale projects worth Rs 9 billion, aiming to ease traffic congestion, improve road conditions, and enhance the daily commute for thousands of residents.
RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza explained that the Punjab government had requested improvement proposals for Rawalpindi’s urban infrastructure. In response, the RDA prepared comprehensive plans focusing on the rehabilitation and expansion of Murree Road—a route that has long been burdened by heavy traffic, aging road structure, and limited capacity.
Major Expansion with New Service Lanes
Under the first project, valued at Rs 8.1 billion, the RDA plans to construct new service lanes on both sides of the road from Liaquat Bagh to Chandni Chowk. This stretch currently experiences bottlenecks throughout the day, making travel slow and often frustrating for commuters traveling between both cities.
The new construction will support the government’s vision of making the corridor signal-free from Marrir Chowk to Faizabad.
Read more: Pindi to get two underpasses at Chandani Chowk, Marrir Chowk and flyover on IJP Road
As per Kinza Murtaza, creating an uninterrupted flow of traffic is going to
- Reduce congestion
- Cut travel time
- Allow emergency vehicles to move more efficiently
She added that the detailed engineering design will be finalized once the provincial government releases the necessary funds. Surveys for land acquisition—a major component of the budget—are already underway.
Much of the allocated amount will go toward purchasing land to widen the corridor and accommodate the new service lanes. These additions will work alongside the existing lanes between Chandni Chowk and Faizabad, creating a wider and more organized roadway.
Rehabilitation of the Main Murree Road
The second project has a cost of Rs 953 million, and it mainly prioritizes on rehabilitating the main Murree Road stretch from Saddar Flashman’s to Faizabad. This includes complete re-carpeting of the road—something that has not been done since 2014, when the Metro Bus elevated track was built.
For years, transporters have been making complaints regarding
- patches
- cracks
- uneven surfaces on this section
The rehabilitation project is intended to
- Restore a smooth driving experience
- Extend the road’s lifespan
Part of a Larger Urban Development Push
The RDA has now formally submitted funding requests to the Punjab government. Both projects will be included in Rawalpindi’s upcoming mega development package, displaying a broader push to bring modern infrastructure across the city.
If funded on time, the upgraded Murree Road will
- Improve mobility
- Benefit businesses
- Reduce vehicle wear and tear
- Enhance the all-inclusive quality of life for the people who are rely solely on this crucial route every day