Punjab Province

MURREE | Re News Pakistan

Murree, one of Pakistan’s most popular tourist destinations, is set for a major infrastructure upgrade, with 120 link roads planned under the approved Rs1.4735 billion Murree Development Programme.

The project aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve connectivity between different areas and provide better travel facilities for tourists arriving from across the country. Murree frequently experiences severe traffic jams during peak tourist seasons, holidays and weekends, placing considerable pressure on roads, parking facilities and other urban infrastructure.

The broader development programme includes road improvements, urban beautification, heritage preservation and upgrades to the water supply system. These initiatives are intended to transform Murree into a modern, safe and environmentally friendly tourist destination while preserving its natural beauty and historic character.

Construction work on several infrastructure projects is already under way. The programme includes widening existing roads and upgrading Murree Road and Kashmir Road to state highway status.

Road widening work has started on Upper Jhika Gali, Hall Road and Imtiaz Shaheed Road. The construction of 120 link roads is expected to improve access between different localities, distribute traffic more efficiently and facilitate smoother movement across the hill station.

To address Murree’s persistent parking shortage, the programme also includes the construction of multi-storey parking plazas. These facilities are expected to increase parking capacity, reduce roadside parking and improve traffic management, particularly during periods of heavy tourist arrivals.

However, the Murree Road signal-free corridor project has been postponed for one year due to financial constraints.

The development programme also places significant emphasis on preserving Murree’s architectural heritage and improving public spaces.

The historic Mall Road will undergo restoration, with 23 heritage buildings and 76 shops to be renovated according to their original architectural designs.

The Walled City Authority has been allocated Rs550 million for Mall Road’s beautification and the installation of uniform signboards. The initiative aims to enhance the area’s appearance while preserving its traditional architectural identity.

Illegal three-storey structures affecting the natural landscape along Mall Road, Hall Road and Imtiaz Shaheed Road are also scheduled for demolition. Parks and green spaces will be developed in their place to improve the urban environment and protect Murree’s natural beauty.

RAWALPINDI | Re News Pakistan

The Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) has approved a revised cost of Rs51.326 billion for the Rawalpindi Ring Road (R3) project, covering a 38.3-kilometre corridor between Banth on Grand Trunk (GT) Road and Thalian near the M-2 Motorway.

The revised approval increases the project's cost by approximately Rs4.326 billion from the Rs47 billion estimate approved in January 2026, updating its financial framework following successive cost revisions.

The decision was taken during the ninth meeting of the PDWP for the fiscal year 2026-27, chaired by Punjab Planning and Development Board Chairman Dr Naeem Rauf.

The Rawalpindi Ring Road is a major infrastructure project intended to improve regional connectivity, facilitate traffic movement and provide a direct link between GT Road and the motorway network through the Thalian interchange.

The project's initial estimated cost was approximately Rs33 billion. A revised Project Concept-I (PC-I) exceeding Rs52 billion was reportedly submitted before the January 2026 approval, when the cost was set at Rs47 billion. The latest approval of Rs51.326 billion reflects a further revision to the project's financial requirements.

During the same meeting, the PDWP also approved development schemes worth a combined Rs63.05 billion across various sectors.

These included Rs3.724 billion for the dualisation of Muzaffargarh Road from Jauharabad to Chowk Grote in Khushab district and Rs8 billion for the revised Chief Minister's “Plant for Pakistan” initiative.

The forum also endorsed position papers for several other development schemes involving fisheries, youth engagement, Safe City initiatives, artificial intelligence hubs, legal aid, industrial emissions management, greening of industries and sustainability research.