Rawalpindi : Since assuming office as Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif has set her sights not only on Lahore-the traditional seat of power-but also on the development of other districts across the province. Among them, she has shown particular interest in addressing the longstanding infrastructural and civic challenges of Rawalpindi.
Two major development projects are currently underway in the city, aimed at resolving chronic traffic congestion. The first is on The Mall, a main artery that cuts through the heart of Rawalpindi and connects it to both Lahore and Peshawar via the GT Road. The second is a flyover on Adiala Road, a vital route that also leads to the well-known Adiala Jail.
Both projects are nearing completion and are expected to be opened to the public soon.
With these developments in motion, it is now crucial for the Chief Minister to turn her attention towards Murree Road-perhaps the city’s busiest and most significant thoroughfare. While the elevated Metro Bus Service has brought some relief to daily commuters, certain planning gaps continue to cause persistent bottlenecks.
Two critical choke points continue to hamper traffic flow along Murree Road: Liaquat Bagh Intersection and Marir Chowk. At Liaquat Bagh, commuters coming from Faizabad who need to turn onto Liaquat Road are forced into long waits due to the lack of an underpass, resulting in daily traffic jams. Similarly, Marir Chowk remains a major bottleneck, where the absence of a grade-separated crossing causes vehicles to back up for nearly a kilometer. The constant blare of ambulance sirens caught in the gridlock is a grim reminder of how urgent it is to address these infrastructural gaps. The delays faced by ambulances at these points pose a serious risk to patients, for whom every passing second can mean the difference between life and death. Urgent intervention is needed to ensure smooth mobility and safeguard public safety on this vital corridor.
Addressing these two points could transform Murree Road into a truly signal-free corridor. The Chief Minister is urged to prioritize this issue and allocate funds for it in the upcoming provincial budget, so that construction can begin in the next fiscal year.
Another issue needing attention is the long-delayed opening of a road link at Moti Mahal Chowk, which was intended to divert traffic from Marir Chowk towards Tipu Road and the old airport. This route would ease pressure on Murree Road and offer a faster connection for commuters heading towards the housing societies near the old airport or the Islamabad Expressway. Currently, drivers must traverse the entire length of Murree Road to reach Faizabad.
Adding to the traffic woes are frequent public protests and rallies, particularly near Liaquat Bagh. With no alternative route available, travelers are often forced to wait for the crowd to disperse before proceeding towards Islamabad.
The immediate reopening and development of the Moti Mahal Chowk link, along with resolving the structural issues at Liaquat Bagh and Marir Chowk, could significantly alleviate Rawalpindi’s traffic problems. It is hoped that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz will include these matters in her strategic development priorities for the city.
