Punjab Unveils Details of Lahore Elevated Expressway 2025 : A Game-Changer for City Traffic

Lahore Elevated Expressway is a landmark project by the Punjab government to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity. The 10.5 km corridor will link Gulberg to Babu Sabu, cutting travel time to just 10 minutes. With six interchanges and integration with Metro Bus and Orange Line, it promises seamless mobility. The eco-friendly design also supports sustainable urban transport.

Key Features of the Lahore Elevated Expressway

• Length: 10.5 km corridor running from Gulberg to Babu Sabu, aligned with the city’s stormwater drain.
• Lanes: Four-lane elevated structure designed to handle 70,000–80,000 vehicles daily.
• Travel Time: Commute between Gulberg Main Boulevard and Motorway M-2 will reduce to just 10 minutes.
• Connectivity: Six major interchanges with direct integration into the Metro Bus and Orange Line Metro Train systems.
• Eco-Friendly Approach: Focus on reducing emissions through smoother traffic flow and an upcoming Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

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Recent Developments

At a high-level meeting chaired by Housing Secretary Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, the government highlighted several new initiatives connected to the Lahore Elevated Expressway:

• Relocation of major wholesale markets outside the city center.
• Establishment of a modern bus terminal near the motorway, directly linked to the expressway.
• Creation of the Lahore Traffic Decongestion Committee to oversee planning and execution.
• Assurance of a comprehensive EIA before project commencement.

Officials from LDA, WASA Punjab, and NESPAK were also present to align on technical and environmental planning.

Cost and Funding Challenges

Originally approved in 2022 with a budget of Rs 31 billion, the Lahore Elevated Expressway has since faced multiple delays, raising costs to nearly Rs 85 billion.

To meet these financial demands, the Punjab government is exploring a Build–Operate–Transfer (BOT) model, enabling private investors to fund construction and recover costs through toll collection.

Official source: Pnd.Punjab.Gov.Pk

Land Acquisition and Compensation

The project requires the acquisition of approximately 801 kanals of land. Past delays were linked to disputes over compensation, especially when compared to the Orange Line Metro project. The government has now introduced revised compensation mechanisms to ensure timely land transfers and avoid further setbacks.

Environmental and Social Impact

Authorities emphasize that the Lahore Elevated Expressway will be developed as an eco-friendly urban mobility solution. The planned EIA will assess impacts on air quality, noise, and urban ecosystems before granting full approval.

By cutting idle times and streamlining traffic, the expressway is expected to lower carbon emissions while easing daily commutes for thousands of residents.

Public Response

Public opinion on the project remains divided:

• Supporters highlight its potential to cut travel times drastically and boost urban mobility.
• Critics, including urban planners, caution that road expansions like the Lahore Elevated Expressway could fuel long-term congestion unless paired with robust mass transit systems.

Conclusion

The Lahore Elevated Expressway represents a cornerstone of Punjab’s Master Plan 2050, offering a modern solution to Lahore’s mounting traffic challenges. With its eco-friendly design, strong connectivity, and potential for economic uplift, the project has the capacity to transform urban mobility.

However, its ultimate success depends on transparent funding, fair land acquisition, and strict environmental compliance. If executed efficiently, it will become one of Lahore’s most impactful infrastructure projects of the decade.