Punjab Province

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan

Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Director General Tahir Farooq visited the Nasir Bagh underground parking plaza, Outfall Road and Data Darbar to review development work. Lahore Chief Traffic Officer Abdul Raheem Sherazi and TEPA Chief Engineer Iqrar Hussain accompanied him.

During the briefing, officials informed the LDA director general that finishing work at the Nasir Bagh parking plaza was progressing rapidly, with overall construction 84 per cent complete. Installation of the parking management system, electrical infrastructure, lifts and cameras was underway.

Tahir Farooq said the facility would accommodate more than 256 cars and over 500 motorcycles. The chief traffic officer said completion of the Neela Gumbad and Nasir Bagh parking plazas would help resolve a major parking problem in the surrounding area.

The LDA director general also inspected footpath construction and roadworks on Outfall Road. Officials briefed him that the road had been widened following the removal of encroachments.

Later, accompanied by the chief traffic officer, he reviewed traffic flow around Data Darbar and measures to remove encroachments and prevent illegal parking by Qingqi rickshaws and other vehicles.

Relevant TEPA and traffic police officials were also present.

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.