by 🏙️ Lahore’s Entry & Exit Points Get a Major Makeover
Lahore is currently undergoing a transformative infrastructure upgrade aimed at enhancing both functionality and aesthetics at its major entry and exit points. Spearheaded by the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) and Punjab Safe Cities Authority, these projects target congestion reduction, traffic safety, and civic pride.
🚧 Thokar Niaz Beg – City’s Busiest Gateway
- Road widening & resurfacing: The main carriageway has been expanded by around 20 feet on each side, smoothing the flow of heavy traffic from the Lahore–Islamabad (M‑2) and Multan motorways .
- Pedestrian and safety upgrades: Asphalting, widened footpaths, fencing, stormwater drainage, solar mast lighting, new police check-post, and traffic signage are currently nearing completion .
- Beautification measures: Ornamental central fences, feature walls, monumental gateways, park spaces, and fountains have been added to improve aesthetics and reduce vehicular emissions.
🛣️ New GT Road “Tourism Corridor” to Wagah
A Rs 3.28 billion initiative led by the C&W and Tourism departments is turning the GT Road stretch from the Quaid‑e‑Azam Interchange to Wagah into a scenic “tourism corridor.” This includes landscaped central fences, cultural motifs, model cart installations, and cleared encroachments—an uplift for both commuters and visitors .
🛡️ Smart Entry & Exit Systems—Surveillance & Traffic Sectors
- CCTV & traffic command upgrades: Punjab Safe Cities Authority is installing surveillance cameras, traffic management systems, and fiber optical infrastructure at key entrances and exits.
- Six new traffic sectors: To further ease congestion, six zones—including those around Thokar Chowk, Motorway Naka, Multan Road, Airport, and Bedian Road— have been designated and equipped for more efficient flow.
🏛️ Heritage Gate Conservation
Simultaneously, Lahore’s heritage entrance, Kashmiri Gate, was restored by the Walled City Authority. The work, completed in October 2024, honors the gate’s historical importance and preserves its cultural integrity.
🌟 Why This Matters
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Traffic flow | Wider roads, underpasses, traffic sectors tackle bottlenecks |
| Citizen safety | Cameras, lighting, signage, police posts ensure secure entries |
| Visual uplift | Feature walls, monuments, lighting rebrand city thresholds |
| Tourism & heritage | Corridor and gate upgrades boost visitor experience |
| Environmental impact | Smoother commute reduces smog‑forming delays |
✅ What Residents Can Expect
- Reduced travel time and smoother access into the city
- Enhanced security and automated traffic controls
- Aesthetic improvement creating pride in city entryways
- Safe public spaces with parks and well-lit zones
- A tourist‑friendly roadway from GT Road to Wagah
