By The Rawalpindi Traders Association has strongly opposed a proposed road expansion project on Murree Road, warning that the plan would severely harm commercial activity along one of the city’s busiest business corridors. The project, prepared by the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), aims to widen Murree Road by 10 to 15 feet on both sides between Liaquat Bagh and Chandni Chowk, covering a stretch of approximately two kilometers.
According to traders, the proposal would require large-scale demolition of existing commercial structures and extensive land acquisition, potentially wiping out a significant portion of businesses operating along the route. The association has described the plan as an economic blow that could permanently damage livelihoods and disrupt Rawalpindi’s commercial landscape.
Details of the Proposed Murree Road Expansion
The RDA’s proposal carries an estimated cost of Rs9 billion and includes widening the main carriageway as well as footpaths. Officials argue that the expansion is intended to address chronic traffic congestion on Murree Road, particularly between Liaquat Bagh and Chandni Chowk—an area frequently affected by traffic jams during peak hours.
Traffic congestion in this section is attributed to narrow road width, illegal parking, and high vehicle volume, which restrict access to nearby offices, markets, and educational institutions. In contrast, traffic flow improves significantly beyond Chandni Chowk toward Faizabad, where wider roads and flyovers have already been constructed.
Traders Cite Risk to Commercial Activity
Despite these concerns, traders insist that the solution should not come at the expense of established businesses. According to the Traders Association, 70 to 80 percent of commercial properties along the corridor could be removed or significantly reduced if the project proceeds as planned. They argue that Murree Road is not only a traffic artery but also a key commercial hub, supporting hundreds of small and medium-sized enterprises.
The association has also pointed out that during the construction of the Metro Bus project, authorities avoided widespread demolition by opting for an elevated track from Saddar to Faizabad, minimizing land acquisition. Traders question why a similar approach cannot be adopted again to resolve the recurring bottleneck along the same two-kilometer stretch.
Awaiting Government Approval
The Murree Road expansion project remains subject to approval and funding by the Punjab government. As debate intensifies, urban planners, business owners, and policymakers face the challenge of balancing traffic management needs with economic sustainability.
With Murree Road once again at the center of Rawalpindi’s infrastructure debate, the final decision will play a crucial role in shaping the city’s future mobility and commercial vitality.
