The Rawalpindi Development Authority has announced a major plan to expand Murree Road, aiming to address persistent traffic congestion in the city. The decision reflects growing concerns over increasing vehicle volume and pressure on Rawalpindi’s main transport artery.
RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza shared the details during a press conference at the Rawalpindi Press Club held at the beginning of the New Year. Senior officials, including Chief Engineer Anwar Baran and Director Planning Tahir Mayo, were also present at the briefing.
According to the DG, Murree Road will be widened by 15 feet on each side, adding a total of 30 feet to its existing width. The expansion is designed to improve traffic flow and reduce daily bottlenecks faced by commuters.
She explained that the project is part of a broader mobility strategy to prepare Rawalpindi’s road network for increased traffic once the Ring Road becomes operational. The widened road will help accommodate future transport demands.
The Murree Road expansion will also complement ongoing public transport initiatives, including the green electric bus project. The RDA has already requested additional electric buses from the Punjab chief minister to strengthen this service.
Beyond road development, Murtaza highlighted governance and planning challenges, noting that Rawalpindi still lacks a formal master plan. She stressed that sustainable urban growth requires coordinated planning, not just road widening measures.
In parallel, the RDA is tightening oversight of private housing schemes by introducing QR codes for verification to prevent fraud. Residential building approvals are now linked to mandatory tree plantation requirements, while all applications have shifted to an online system.
The authority is also seeking funding for a comprehensive study of Nullah Leh, covering flood management and alternative routes. Additionally, RDA continues coordination with NAB and FIA on the long-running University Town case.
