LAHORE: Authorities have completed the construction of Pakistan’s most advanced urban road, Route 47, in central Lahore, marking a significant milestone in the city’s infrastructure development. The 4.5-kilometre road connects major city arteries, including Ferozepur Road, Gulberg Main Boulevard, Walton Road, and Lahore Ring Road, running through Kalma Chowk.
The Rs9 billion (approximately USD 32 million) project, undertaken by the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (CBD Punjab), boasts several smart features, including a nearly one-kilometre flyover and dedicated pedestrian and bicycle lanes. The road is designed to prevent water accumulation during rainfall, addressing a common issue in Lahore’s monsoon season.
One of the most innovative aspects of Route 47 is the incorporation of solar panels along the sidewalks, which will not only provide shade but also generate up to one megawatt of electricity. “This is Pakistan’s first smart road that will also produce energy,” said Imran Amin, CEO of CBD Punjab.
Route 47 runs through the area once occupied by Walton Airport, now being redeveloped into Lahore’s Central Business District (CBD). The new district is set to become a hub for high-rise commercial developments, with infrastructure work such as sewage systems, stormwater management, and parking plazas nearly complete. An artificial lake is also under construction, with rainwater being directed through underground systems.
The government plans to position the CBD as a key center for business and information technology in the coming years.
