Murree Road Widening Sparks Rawalpindi Traders’ Outcry

The controversial Murree Road widening plan in Rawalpindi has sparked protests from shop owners and residents, as the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) is pushing a revised proposal that sharply increases land acquisition and total project costs.

Traders Warn Over Heritage and Commerce Loss

The Express Tribune reports that the updated design would expand land acquisition from the previously proposed 10 feet on either side to 15-20 feet along the busy arterial stretch from Liaquat Bagh Chowk to Chandni Chowk. 

This change has pushed the estimated project cost up from around Rs9 billion to Rs12 billion.

Members of the Murree Road Traders Association argue that this widening threatens not only livelihoods but also local heritage, from half-century-old shops and libraries to historical sites like the Talli Shahaan graveyard, and could displace existing businesses without fair compensation.

Traffic Relief Versus Economic Impact

Proponents of the scheme say it aims to build a signal-free corridor to ease chronic congestion on one of Pakistan’s most vital urban routes, a road that links major markets, government offices, courts, and commuter lanes between Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Critics counter that expanding one of the city’s oldest commercial hubs risks shuttering shops and displacing workers, urging authorities to offer compensation at current market rates and engage in genuine dialogue before moving forward.

Takeaway: Balance Growth With Local Needs

For Pakistan’s rapidly urbanising cities, raw infrastructure upgrades are essential, yet the Murree Road debate highlights the delicate balancing act between modernising transport and protecting economic ecosystems and heritage. 

With the final decision pending provincial approval, traders and policymakers face a turning point that could set a precedent for how development integrates community voices and protects small business interests.