Lahore’s Busy Defence Mor to Get a Major Change

Lahore authorities are planning major changes at Defence Mor in a bid to tackle chronic traffic congestion at one of the city’s busiest junctions.

The proposed upgrade follows a series of inspections and consultations led by Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Syed Abdul Raheem Shirazi, who has been working with relevant agencies to identify long-term solutions for traffic flow issues at the intersection.

As part of the plan, officials have proposed widening the turning lane from 22 feet to 33 feet. The redesign is expected to substantially increase the junction’s traffic-handling capacity, allowing around 9,000 vehicles to pass through per hour compared to the current capacity of roughly 6,000 vehicles.

According to officials, the improvements could also significantly increase average vehicle speeds at the intersection, from the current 15 to 20 kilometres per hour to as much as 40 to 45 kilometres per hour.

The proposals were discussed during meetings with the Traffic Engineering and Planning Agency (TEPA) and the Walton Cantonment Board, which are expected to play a role in implementing the project.

Officials believe the changes will help shorten traffic queues that regularly stretch between 400 and 600 metres during rush hours, providing relief to thousands of daily commuters who use the corridor.