Authorities in Lahore have completed the construction of Route 47, a state-of-the-art roadway that officials are calling Pakistan’s most advanced urban road. Running through Kalma Chowk in central Lahore, the 4.5-kilometre thoroughfare links major city arteries including Ferozepur Road, Gulberg Main Boulevard, Walton Road, and the Lahore Ring Road.
The project, overseen by the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (CBD Punjab), was built at an estimated cost of Rs9 billion (approximately USD 32 million). It forms a crucial part of the broader redevelopment of the former Walton Airport site into Lahore’s Central Business District (CBD)—a flagship project aimed at promoting vertical urban growth and attracting business and IT investment.
Cutting-Edge Smart Features
Route 47 sets a new benchmark for urban infrastructure in Pakistan, incorporating several advanced features designed to international standards. Among its standout elements is a nearly one-kilometre flyover that connects directly to Walton Road, easing traffic congestion in the area.
Read More: Karachi’s National Stadium to be extensily renovated after HBL PSL 10
The road also includes dedicated pedestrian and bicycle lanes, aiming to promote sustainable urban mobility. To tackle the city’s notorious monsoon-related waterlogging, Route 47 features a modern stormwater drainage system that channels rainwater underground, a major improvement over traditional surface-level systems.
Solar-Powered Sidewalks
One of the most innovative aspects of Route 47 is its energy-producing sidewalks. Solar panels are being installed along the footpaths, which will not only provide shaded walkways for pedestrians but also generate up to one megawatt of electricity.
“This is Pakistan’s first smart road that will also produce energy,” said CBD Punjab CEO Imran Amin. He added that the road represents the “central artery” of Pakistan’s first high-rise commercial district, reflecting the shift towards smart, eco-friendly urban development.
Development of Lahore’s Central Business District
The completion of Route 47 marks a major milestone for the CBD project, which is transforming the 300-acre site of the former Walton Airport into a modern commercial hub. The government envisions the CBD as a future center for commerce, technology, and innovation in Lahore.
Infrastructure work across the district is now largely complete, including the installation of new sewage and stormwater management systems. To support future traffic, two major parking plazas are also nearing completion. Additionally, rainwater collected throughout the district will be directed to an artificial lake, which is currently under construction.
Read More: Renowned Pakistani chef passed away in Karachi
With Route 47 and the surrounding infrastructure nearing full completion, Lahore’s Central Business District is set to become a model for other Pakistani cities aiming to modernize their urban spaces. The government’s plan to position the CBD as a hub for information technology and business reflects a broader vision of economic transformation and sustainable development. Officials hope that the success of Route 47 and the CBD will not only ease Lahore’s traffic woes but also create a ripple effect of smart city initiatives across the country.