17 kilometres long Murree Expressway will be expanded at a cost of Rs 1.2 billion

The latest project has been started to increase tourism in Murree, aiming for the expansion of the main highway linking Rawalpindi, Kashmir, and Murree. The Murree Expressway expansion project is designed with an allocated budget of approximately Rs 1.2 billion and accounts for the construction of a 17 km road stretching from Rawalpindi to Sunny Bank in Murree. 

Tenders for the establishment work have been issued through the e-Tender platform with a deadline set for August 17. As part of the annual development program, ADPT road construction will be executed in phases over six months, with the performance beginning from both ends simultaneously, to improve the natural environment of the area. 

The plan consists of tree planting along the road. The selection will present fruit trees as native pine trees along with fruit-bearing plants representative of the culture of the Potohar region. The plan also adds creating rest areas along the road for travelers and tourists, while providing solar-powered street lighting to guarantee energy-efficient illumination. 

This expansion of the expressway connecting Kashmir, Rawalpindi, and Murree will have various significant effects.  

• Firstly, improved access to Murree is expected to attract more tourists, boosting local businesses like restaurants, hotels, and shops, which will lead to increased revenue for the region. 

•  Secondly, the maintenance and construction phases of the project are likely to create more jobs, benefitting local labor and contributing to the overall economic growth of the country.  

• Thirdly, the expanded highway is expected to facilitate smoother and faster travel between Kashmir, Rawalpindi, and Murree by minimizing travel time and improving all-inclusive connectivity.  

• Fourthly, the new road could help in alleviating traffic congestion on existing routes leading to more efficient transportation and fewer delays. 

Read more: Murree And China’s Dujiangyan Are Sister Cities That Will Host 30 Million Tourists Annually

• Fifthly, the project consists of pre-planting and making of rest areas which will help effectively in improving the natural landscape and delivering recreational spaces for tourists and visitors. Furthermore, solar power tree lighting is expected to contribute to energy efficiency and minimize the carbon footprint of the project.  

• Sixthly, rest areas and improved infrastructure will likely make the journey more effective and comfortable for tourists, potentially increasing the frequency and duration of visits. 

• Seventhly, the addition of native fruit-bearing plants and trees is expected to reflect the local culture and improve the aesthetic appeal of the area.  

• During the construction phases, there may be various temporary issues that can arise due to traffic and local businesses which will need to be administered effectively.  

• Moreover, there are some environmental improvements which are planned. Careful management and administration will be needed to guarantee that the construction doesn’t impact negatively local wildlife or the ecosystem.