In a major step forward for urban infrastructure, Lahore has unveiled what officials are calling Pakistan’s most advanced road — Route 47. Stretching 4.5 kilometers through the heart of the city, this new thoroughfare connects some of Lahore’s busiest and most vital roads, including Ferozepur Road, Gulberg Main Boulevard, Walton Road, and the Lahore Ring Road.
Route 47 passes through the iconic Kalma Chowk area and is designed not just for efficiency, but also with sustainability and modernity in mind. Constructed at a cost of around Rs9 billion (roughly USD 32 million), the road is a flagship project of the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (CBD Punjab), which is spearheading the transformation of Lahore’s urban landscape.
“This isn’t just a road — it’s the central spine of Pakistan’s most modern commercial district,” said Imran Amin, CEO of CBD Punjab. “It has been built to international standards and integrates smart features that reflect the future of urban infrastructure.”
One of the standout innovations on Route 47 is the integration of solar panels along the pedestrian sidewalks. These panels will generate up to one megawatt of electricity while also providing much-needed shade — a dual-purpose solution in a city that regularly faces extreme summer temperatures. The road also includes dedicated lanes for bicycles and pedestrians, encouraging more sustainable modes of transportation.
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To tackle Lahore’s notorious drainage issues during monsoon season, the road has been designed with advanced water management systems. A nearly one-kilometre flyover eases traffic flow, while underground stormwater channels will divert rainwater to an artificial lake that is currently under construction.
The area surrounding Route 47, once home to Walton Airport, is being redeveloped into a high-rise Central Business District — a bold move toward vertical urbanization. With new sewage systems, smart infrastructure, and the addition of parking plazas, the district is being positioned as a future hub for both business and technology.
In essence, Route 47 isn’t just a road — it’s a symbol of Lahore’s evolving identity as a modern, forward-thinking metropolis.