LAHORE: The government has completed the CBD main boulevard, named as CBD Route-47, connecting Kalma Chowk with the Walton Road and various localities through another signal-free corridor.

Since the Route-47 has been opened at the moment for those living in the localities situated along it, it would be opened for all kinds of traffic after completion of the flyover crossing the railway lines, Dawn has learnt.

“The name, Route 47, has been chosen in a bid to pay homage to the country’s founder Quaid-i-Azam, who, soon after creation of Pakistan in 1947 had landed here at the Lahore Walton Airport — whose land has now become a part of the Lahore Central Business District. At this land, various infrastructure development projects are in progress,” an official source in the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA) explained while talking to Dawn.

Meanwhile, Caretaker Chief Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi inaugurated the Route 47.

The road spans over 4.2km and links Main Boulevard Gulberg (from Kalma Chowk underpass) to the Walton Road. The inauguration ceremony had the dignitaries, including Minister of Housing Barrister Syed Azfar Ali Nasir, CBD CEO Punjab Imran Amin, Executive Director (Technical) Riaz Hussain), the IGP, secretary housing and the commissioner.

“We appreciate the diligent efforts of the CBD Punjab in spearheading transformative projects across the region,” the CM Naqvi said, emphasizing the crucial role of infrastructure development in propelling Punjab towards progress and prosperity.

PCBDDA CEO Imran Amin reiterated the organization’s commitment to delivering projects of importance and thanked the CM for unwavering support.

The CBD Route-47, costing Rs5bn including a flyover and other infrastructure cost, exemplified the ongoing efforts to modernize the infrastructure.

“The Walton road remodeling project is also underway with fast pace,” said Mr Riaz Hussain, PCBDDA Executive Director (Technical) while talking to Dawn.

It merits mention that the project gives access through slip roads to the Falcon Housing Society, Askari-V, various others residential localities, Gulab Devi Hospital and Ferozepur Road, crossing the railway tracks through a flyover and finally connects to the Walton Road. It also gives connectivity to the Ferozepur Road. Once opened completely, the traffic burden on the Ali Zeb Road and the Ferozepur Road would reduce, as the motorists seeking access to Walton Road and various phases of DHA would prefer using this new road. The Route-47, in future would have high-rises on its both sides — the main feature of the business district.

Published in Dawn, February 25th, 2024