Rawalpindi traders have raised strong objections to the revised plan for the widening, resurfacing, and signal-free corridor project on Murree Road, the city’s largest and oldest central artery.
The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has increased the proposed land acquisition from 10 feet to 15–20 feet on both sides of the road between Liaquat Bagh Chowk and Chandni Chowk.
The expansion has pushed the estimated project cost from Rs. 9 billion to Rs. 12 billion, with officials warning that rising construction material prices could drive costs higher. Murree Road has long faced chronic congestion, serving as the main link for intra-city traffic, wholesale markets, transport terminals, police stations, courts, and government offices.
Traders, including members of the Murree Road Traders Association, expressed concern that the revised plan threatens historic shops, libraries, and even graves at the 350-year-old Talli Shahaan graveyard. They also warned of potential demolition of a historic Qadiani place of worship.
While supporting the project in principle, traders demanded consultations, fair market-rate compensation, and equivalent alternative commercial space. They cautioned that failure to address these concerns could lead to protests and legal challenges.
Officials confirmed the revised proposal and cost estimates have been submitted to the provincial government. If approved, the RDA will conduct a new feasibility study. Authorities maintain the project will ultimately create a fully signal-free corridor, easing traffic along the city’s most congested stretch.
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
I am so happy to hear that road would be wide ,please remove encroachment on rawal road,chandi chowk and liaqat bagh .And don’t stop this project even anybody like leader doesn’t happy.MEANS IS PROJECT KO NA ROKANA CHAHAY KOI BHI JESAY TRADERS KHUSH NA HON .