How Much Will Rawalpindi Murree Road Be Expanded? Full Project Details
How Much Will Rawalpindi Murree Road Be Expanded is set for a major expansion and rehabilitation project in 2026. The long-awaited plan, led by the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), aims to widen the road, introduce service lanes, reduce traffic bottlenecks, and prepare the city for future traffic pressure—especially after the completion of the Rawalpindi Ring Road.
The most frequently asked question remains: how much will Murree Road actually be expanded, and what changes will commuters see on the ground?
How Much Will Murree Road Be Expanded in Rawalpindi?
According to official planning details shared by RDA, Murree Road will be expanded by 15 feet on each side, making a total widening of 30 feet along selected sections.
Key expansion measurement
- 15 feet expansion on the left side
- 15 feet expansion on the right side
- Total added width: 30 feet
This expansion is not limited to lane repainting. It involves physical widening, mainly to accommodate service roads and smoother traffic flow.
Which Section of Murree Road Will Be Expanded?
The widening is not across the entire Murree Road. Instead, it focuses on the most congested and problematic stretch.
Main expansion corridor
- From Liaquat Bagh to Chandni Chowk
- Approximate length: 2 kilometers
- Both sides to receive service lanes
This stretch is currently the biggest choke point due to:
- Narrow road width
- Heavy commercial activity
- Frequent entry/exit of vehicles
- Encroachments and roadside parking
Murree Road Rehabilitation Beyond Widening
Alongside expansion, the government has also approved full rehabilitation (re-carpeting) of Murree Road to improve driving conditions.
Rehabilitation stretch
- From Saddar (Flashman’s Hotel area) to Faizabad
- Focus on:
- New asphalt layers
- Road surface strengthening
- Drainage improvements
The road has not undergone major rehabilitation since the post-Metro Bus construction phase, making this upgrade overdue.
Murree Road Expansion Project Cost (2026)
The total Murree Road improvement plan is valued at approximately Rs 9 billion, divided into two major components.
1. Widening & service lanes project
- Estimated cost: Rs 8.1 billion
- Covers:
- Service roads on both sides
- Land acquisition
- Utility shifting
- Traffic re-engineering
This is the largest and most sensitive part of the project.
2. Road rehabilitation project
- Estimated cost: Rs 953 million
- Covers:
- Re-carpeting from Saddar to Faizabad
- Structural road improvements
What Are Service Lanes and Why Are They Important?
A central feature of the Murree Road expansion is the introduction of dedicated service lanes.
Purpose of service lanes
- Separate local traffic (shops, plazas, parking, pickups)
- Keep through traffic moving continuously
- Reduce sudden stops and lane changes
- Improve emergency vehicle access
Service lanes already exist on parts of Murree Road near Faizabad. The project aims to extend this system to the most congested sections, particularly between Liaquat Bagh and Chandni Chowk.
Will Murree Road Become Signal-Free?
Yes—partially and gradually.
After the completion of service lanes and traffic re-engineering, authorities expect Murree Road to operate with minimal traffic signals, especially from:
While complete removal of all signals depends on final design and junction management, the project is clearly aimed at near signal-free flow for main traffic.
Why Is Murree Road Being Expanded in 2026?
The expansion is part of a broader urban mobility strategy.
Major reasons behind the project
- Severe traffic congestion
- Daily gridlocks during peak hours
- High accident risk
- Preparation for Ring Road traffic shift
- Murree Road will absorb redistributed traffic once Ring Road opens
- Commercial and civic importance
- Connects Saddar, Chandni Chowk, Liaquat Bagh, Faizabad
- Aging road infrastructure
- Surface damage and capacity mismatch
- Future-ready transport planning
- Alignment with public transport and green mobility plans
Land Acquisition & Business Concerns
Land acquisition is the most controversial aspect of the project.
What is planned
- Acquisition of land on both sides of Murree Road
- Removal of encroachments
- Possible demolition of some commercial structures
Concerns raised by traders
- Business losses
- Reduced frontage
- Temporary disruption during construction
Authorities have stated that surveys are ongoing to minimize damage and compensate fairly, but final details will depend on design approval.
Project Timeline: When Will Work Start?
As of January 2026:
- Detailed design approval is in progress
- Funding release from Punjab government is awaited
- Physical construction will begin after final approval
The project is expected to roll out in phases to reduce traffic disruption.
What Commuters Can Expect After Completion
If executed as planned, Murree Road will offer:
- Wider road capacity
- Reduced congestion at Liaquat Bagh & Chandni Chowk
- Smoother, faster travel
- Better road surface quality
- Improved safety for motorists and pedestrians
- Organized traffic movement through service lanes
FAQs – Murree Road Expansion Project 2026
1. How much wider will Murree Road become?
Murree Road will be expanded by 30 feet total, with 15 feet added on each side.
2. Which part of Murree Road is being widened?
The main widening is planned from Liaquat Bagh to Chandni Chowk.
3. What is the total cost of the project?
The overall Murree Road project is estimated at around Rs 9 billion.
4. Will shops be demolished?
Some land acquisition and demolition may occur, depending on final design and surveys.
5. Is the entire Murree Road being expanded?
No. Expansion is limited to critical congested sections, while other parts will be rehabilitated.
