Rawalpindi Traders Reject Rs. 9 Billion Murree Road Expansion Plan
The Rawalpindi Traders Association has strongly rejected the proposed Murree Road expansion project, terming it a serious threat to commercial activity along one of the city’s busiest roads. The project, prepared by the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), aims to widen Murree Road at an estimated cost of Rs. 9 billion.
Traders have warned that the plan will cause massive economic losses, force businesses to shut down, and permanently damage Rawalpindi’s commercial landscape. They have urged the Punjab government to reconsider the proposal and explore alternative solutions to address traffic congestion.
Details of the Murree Road Expansion Project
According to official documents, the RDA plans to widen Murree Road by adding an extra 10 to 15 feet on both sides. The expansion is proposed for a two-kilometer stretch between Liaquat Bagh and Chandni Chowk.
The project includes:
- Road widening on both sides
- Construction of new footpaths
- Acquisition of private land
- Demolition of existing commercial structures
Officials claim the project will help reduce traffic congestion and improve road safety. However, traders argue that the cost of the project far outweighs its benefits.
Traders Call the Project an Economic Disaster
The Rawalpindi Traders Association has described the project as an “economic disaster” for thousands of businesses operating along Murree Road. According to traders, nearly 70 to 80 percent of commercial properties along the corridor will either be demolished or severely reduced in size.
Shop owners fear that:
- Long-established businesses will be wiped out
- Thousands of workers will lose their jobs
- Property values will collapse
- Investors will lose confidence in Rawalpindi’s markets
Traders argue that Murree Road is not just a traffic route but a major commercial hub that supports families and small businesses across the city.
Impact on Small and Medium Businesses
Most of the businesses along Murree Road are small and medium-sized enterprises, including retail shops, clinics, offices, and service centers. Traders say these businesses cannot survive long construction delays or relocation.
Many shopkeepers have invested their life savings in their properties. Forced demolition or downsizing, they argue, would push them into financial crisis with little or no compensation.
Business owners also fear that customers will permanently shift to other commercial areas if access to Murree Road becomes difficult.
Traffic Issues: Traders Question RDA’s Approach
Traffic congestion between Liaquat Bagh and Chandni Chowk has long been a major problem. Narrow road width, illegal parking, and heavy traffic flow contribute to daily gridlocks, especially during peak hours.
However, traders believe the RDA is addressing the problem in the wrong way.
They point out that traffic moves smoothly beyond Chandni Chowk toward Faizabad due to:
- Wider roads
- Flyovers
- Better traffic management
According to traders, the solution lies in improved traffic control, strict enforcement against illegal parking, and better public transport management—not the destruction of commercial areas.
Comparison with Metro Bus Project
Traders have also highlighted the Metro Bus project as a successful example of infrastructure development without massive land acquisition.
During the construction of the Metro Bus from Saddar to Faizabad, authorities opted for an elevated track instead of widening the road. This approach:
- Minimized damage to businesses
- Avoided large-scale demolitions
- Preserved commercial activity
Despite this, the same two-kilometer stretch between Liaquat Bagh and Chandni Chowk has once again emerged as a bottleneck. Traders question why a similar elevated or alternative solution is not being considered.
Concerns Over Compensation and Transparency
Another major concern raised by traders is the lack of clarity regarding compensation. The RDA has not yet provided detailed information on:
- Compensation rates for demolished properties
- Relocation plans for affected businesses
- Timeline for construction
Traders fear that compensation, if offered, will be insufficient and delayed. Past infrastructure projects, they say, have left affected business owners waiting for years to receive payments.
The association has demanded full transparency and stakeholder consultation before moving forward with any expansion plan.
RDA’s Position on the Project
The Rawalpindi Development Authority maintains that the project is still subject to approval and funding from the Punjab government. Officials argue that Murree Road plays a critical role in connecting Rawalpindi with Islamabad and must be upgraded to meet growing traffic demands.
The RDA has stated that:
- The expansion will include improved footpaths
- Traffic flow will improve in the long term
- Urban infrastructure needs modernization
However, no final date for the project’s launch has been announced so far.
Punjab Government’s Role and Decision Pending
The final decision on the Murree Road expansion rests with the Punjab government. Funding approval is required before the project can move forward.
Traders have appealed to the provincial government to:
- Halt the current expansion plan
- Conduct an independent impact assessment
- Consult traders, residents, and transport experts
- Explore alternative traffic solutions
They warn that approving the project without consensus could trigger protests and legal challenges.
Possible Alternatives Suggested by Traders
Instead of widening Murree Road, traders have suggested several alternatives, including:
- Elevated road sections similar to the Metro Bus model
- Multi-story parking plazas to eliminate roadside parking
- Improved traffic signaling and enforcement
- Dedicated service roads for commercial access
According to traders, these solutions would address traffic congestion without destroying Rawalpindi’s commercial backbone.
Public Reaction and Growing Debate
The proposed expansion has sparked a wider debate among citizens, urban planners, and business communities. While some residents support the idea of easing traffic congestion, many share traders’ concerns about economic damage and poor planning.
Social media discussions show mixed reactions, with calls for sustainable urban development rather than aggressive road widening.
Conclusion – Rawalpindi Traders Reject Murree Road Expansion Plan
The rejection of the Rs. 9 billion Murree Road expansion plan by Rawalpindi traders highlights the growing tension between urban development and economic survival. While traffic congestion remains a serious issue, traders argue that the proposed solution could permanently damage one of Rawalpindi’s most important commercial corridors.
With the Punjab government yet to give final approval, the future of the project remains uncertain. Traders continue to demand dialogue, transparency, and smarter alternatives that balance infrastructure development with economic stability.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the authorities revise the plan—or push forward despite strong opposition from the business community.
