Since the inception of the incumbent government under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the roads sector in Punjab has witnessed remarkable progress through a series of well-planned and effectively executed initiatives. These efforts have focused on restoring deteriorated infrastructure, rehabilitating major corridors, easing urban congestion, and improving connectivity across the province. Through transparent procurement mechanisms, efficient utilization of resources, accelerated implementation, and strict monitoring by Minister for C& W Malik Sohaib Ahmad Bharth and Secretary C & W Sohail Ashraf, the Communication & Works Department has delivered tangible improvements that directly benefit the general public and support economic activity.
One of the most significant initiatives launched during financial year 2024-25 was the Road Restoration Programme, conceived to eliminate potholes and improve the condition of collector roads across Punjab. Under this programme, 462 schemes covering a total length of 6,835 kilometers were approved at an estimated cost of Rs. 133 billion. Competitive e-tendering resulted in savings of Rs. 17.5 billion, reflecting strong financial discipline. By the end of the financial year, 376 schemes had been completed, while the remaining 86 schemes are scheduled for completion during the current financial year 2025-26. This programme has greatly improved road usability, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, ensuring safer and smoother travel for citizens.
In parallel, the government introduced the Road Rehabilitation Programme Phase-II to address the condition of arterial roads that play a critical role in inter-district and inter-city movement. This programme comprised 72 schemes with a total length of 2,097 kilometers and an estimated cost of Rs. 147 billion. Through competitive tendering, savings amounting to Rs. 19.5 billion were achieved. During FY 2024-25, 31 schemes were completed, while the remaining 41 schemes are under execution and will be completed in FY 2025-26. The rehabilitation of these arterial routes is expected to significantly reduce travel time, enhance safety, and support trade and logistics.
A long-standing public demand was addressed through the dualization of the Faisalabad-Chiniot Road, a vital corridor serving two divisions and three districts. Initiated during FY 2024-25, the project covers a length of 24 kilometers at a cost of Rs. 7.575 billion. Competitive bidding yielded a saving of approximately 22 percent, amounting to Rs. 1.5 billion. The project has achieved around 78 percent physical progress and is nearing completion. Once completed, it will ease congestion, improve traffic flow, and provide a safer travel experience for commuters.
Another landmark initiative undertaken during the same financial year was the rehabilitation and upgradation of the road from Quaid-e-Azam Interchange to Wagah Border. This corridor holds strategic, cultural, and tourism significance and represents the image of Lahore and Pakistan. The project spans 13 kilometers with a total cost of Rs. 7.129 billion. Through transparent procurement, a saving of nearly 29.76 percent, equivalent to about Rs. 2.0 billion, was achieved. With physical progress exceeding 90 percent, the project is close to completion and will provide a modern, well-maintained route for both local and international visitors.
The dualization of the Multan-Vehari Road is another major initiative reflecting the government’s responsiveness to public demand. This important corridor serves the districts of Multan, Khanewal, and Vehari, as well as surrounding areas. The project involves dualization of 93 kilometers of road divided into four schemes, with a total cost of Rs. 25.5 billion. Savings of approximately 24 percent, or Rs. 5.6 billion, were achieved through competitive tendering. The project is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion by December 2026, after which it will significantly enhance regional connectivity and economic activity.
Urban traffic management also received special attention. At Chan Da Qila Junction in Gujranwala, chronic congestion and delays were a daily challenge for commuters. Recognizing the importance of this location, the government initiated the construction of a flyover during FY 2024-25. The project was conceived at a cost of Rs. 1.735 billion, and through efficient tendering, Rs. 400 million was saved. The flyover was completed in a record time of seven months, providing immediate and lasting relief to road users.
In Rawalpindi, the government undertook a comprehensive initiative to develop a signal-free corridor along major roads, particularly Mall Road and its connecting arteries. A series of underpasses and flyovers were included in the Annual Development Programme 2025-26. These projects aim to separate traffic streams at key intersections, reduce congestion, and improve overall urban mobility. Once completed, they are expected to transform traffic flow in Rawalpindi and significantly reduce travel delays.
To strengthen connectivity at the grassroots level, the government launched the Local Roads Programme titled “Sarkain Bahal Punjab Kushhal” under ADP 2025-26. This flagship initiative has an indicative cost of Rs. 100 billion, with an initial allocation of Rs. 50 billion. Following approval of implementation guidelines by the Chief Minister’s Office and the Provincial Cabinet, schemes were identified through District Coordination Committees. A total of 1,529 schemes covering 3,307 kilometers and costing Rs. 79.74 billion were approved for 169 constituencies. This programme is designed to directly benefit local communities by improving access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities, and other essential services.
In addition to these programmes, numerous high-impact road projects were completed during FY 2024-25 across Punjab. These included major dualization works, rehabilitation of key highways, construction of flyovers and underpasses, and improvement of urban and intercity roads in districts such as Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Sargodha, and others. These projects have enhanced connectivity, reduced congestion, and improved road safety across the province.
Overall, during FY 2024-25, the Communication & Works Department utilized Rs. 283 billion to complete 1,402 road schemes covering a total length of 12,850 kilometers. Through e-tendering and transparent procurement, savings of Rs. 41 billion were achieved in two major programmes alone. In the current financial year 2025-26, the department plans to complete an additional 6,000 kilometers of roads, apart from 3,307 kilometers under the Local Roads Programme. Collectively, these initiatives reflect a transformative phase in Punjab’s road infrastructure development, underscoring the current regime’s commitment to efficiency, transparency, and public welfare.
The writer is a senior public policy analyst based in Lahore and can be reached at [email protected]