The Punjab government has announced detailed plans for the Lahore Elevated Expressway, a Dubai-style project designed to cut travel time, ease bottlenecks, and integrate the city’s public transport system. The four-lane corridor will stretch from Gulberg to Babu Sabu, serving more than 70,000 passengers daily.
Key Details of the Project
At a high-level meeting earlier this week, chaired by Housing Secretary Noor ul Amin Mengal, officials reviewed the expressway proposal, which runs along Lahore’s main stormwater drain. Once completed, it will reduce the travel time between Gulberg Main Boulevard and the M-2 Motorway to just 10 minutes.
The design includes:
- Six major interchanges for seamless flow.
- Direct connections to Metro Bus and Orange Line Metro Train.
- Signal-free commuting across multiple entry and exit points.
- Modern features including green belts, traffic management systems, and enhanced safety measures.
Officials confirmed that the project aligns with the Punjab government’s environmental policy by helping to reduce carbon emissions.
Connectivity and Urban Planning
According to planning documents, the expressway will link key neighborhoods and commercial hubs, including Main Boulevard, Canal Park, Shadman, Shama Chowk, Chaudhry Colony, Toheed Park Bridge, Gulshan Ravi, Moon Market, Bund Road, and finally the Babu Sabu Toll Plaza on the Lahore–Islamabad Motorway.
Authorities also discussed relocating major wholesale markets outside Lahore’s urban limits to ease pressure on city roads. A new modern bus terminal will also be developed near the motorway, directly connected to the elevated route.
Implementation and Oversight
To monitor planning and execution, the government will establish a Lahore Traffic Decongestion Committee. A comprehensive Environmental Impact Study (EIS) will be conducted before final approval is submitted to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
Senior representatives from the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Punjab, and Nespak engineers attended the meeting, reflecting the project’s priority within Punjab’s development agenda.
Projected Impact
Authorities estimate that the Lahore Elevated Expressway will:
- Benefit 70,000+ daily commuters.
- Reduce overall travel distances by 82 kilometres across connecting routes.
- Establish a signal-free corridor, boosting efficiency and mobility.
- Strengthen Lahore’s image as a modern urban hub.
Speaking at the review meeting, Secretary Noor ul Amin Mengal noted, “This project is not just about easing congestion but about building sustainable infrastructure that connects people and opportunities while reducing environmental stress.”
What’s Next
The final decision now rests with the provincial cabinet and the chief minister’s office. If approved, construction will begin under a phased plan, with the expressway expected to redefine urban mobility in Lahore.
