The Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) is embarking on a transformative project journey that aims to revolutionize the urban landscape along the Ravi River and Lahore. The project’s focus on sustainability, innovation, and community development which makes it a model for future urban development projects in Pakistan. RUDA’s commitment to creating a balance between urban growth and environmental preservation is a testament to its dedication to creating a better future for generations to come.
RUDA is utilizing 46 kilometres stretch of the river to develop a sustainable, eco-friendly riverfront that will also rehabilitate the dying Ravi River and improve the surrounding environment for both humans and wildlife.
In year 2025, following infrastructure development achievements were taken up by RUDA including Phase-01 River Channelization of 14.5 Km, Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) Initiative, Solid Waste Management (existing dump site closures and development of new engineered landfill sites), Forestation and ecological restoration works, out of which River Channelization is a foundational element of the project. As per details, RUDA’s Phase 01 is currently in progress with full pace covering right side Up to LSM – 9 Km, First 3 Km – (PKG 1) completed. Next 6 Km -(PKG 6) 24% progress achieved in year 2025. Left Side Up to LSM – 9 Km: First 3 Km – (PKG 2) 52% progress achieved. Next 6.6 Km – (PKG 5) 6.5% progress achieved. LSM to Railway is 5.5 Km whereas Ph-02 and 03 River Channelization is of 31.5 Km, Channelization works in Phase 02 and 03 is in progress on Package-16 and 17 on G2G modality. Contractor already mobilized and work is being progressed at full pace. Motorway M2 Downstream of 5 Km (PKG 16) 1.8% progress achieved, (PKG 17) 0.7% progress achieved. Remaining Channelization (Phase 02 & 03): Remaining Packages are at design phase.
Moreover, Mehmood Booti Dumpsite rehabilitation project is 83% completed – closure and conversion to urban forest & solar park in 2025. o Chaharbagh 98% substantially completed – Civil infrastructure works at Chaharbagh-01, an urban regeneration project having an area of 138 acres. Chaharbagh Enclave with 43% progress – Civil infrastructure over 168 acres. RUDA Industrial Zone Completed with 1.87 km road, sewerage, drainage, disposal station & streetlights. Similarly, Karol Ghati Road Completed with Rehabilitation works of 500m road at Karol Ghati. Afforestation at Jhoke completed with afforestation of the degraded Jhoke forest across 198 acres, with 100,000 trees planted. Model Natt Village is completed with 94% progress along with development of a Model Village at Natt Kalan to uplift and integrate local settlements into the modern urban fabric is in final stage. Furthermore, connecting Road of 9.5 Km is in progress – 140 ft-wide (3+3 lane) roads, connecting Lahore Ring Road and riverbank is ongoing.
RUDA will complete 46 kilometres of embankments on both sides of the River Ravi in three years to protect nearby areas and villages from future floods. In 2025, A 7km of embankment have already been constructed saved dozens of villages in Sapphire Bay from floodwater in the previous year. The aim is to finish embankments on both sides of riverbanks, spanning 46 kilometres with a 1-kilometre-wide riverbed, within three years. The Punjab government fully supports RUDA’s efforts to remove encroachments along the river. Following Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s direct instructions, construction accelerated after recent floods in the Ravi River in 2025.
RUDA’s Mehmood Booti rehabilitation project, another marvel in making, a model of sustainable revival, turning challenges into opportunities and waste into a greener tomorrow. An initiative taken by RUDA, Lahore’s Mehmood booti dumpsite to become solar park and urban forest soon. Controlling carbon and methane emissions from Mehmood Booti dump site is under way through a massive developmental initiative of a solar and conventional park at the site. Mehmood booti dumpsite was once a landfill is now Pakistan’s first carbon market pilot project.
RUDA Director Environment Nadia Tahir said that Air Quality Index (AQI) level drastically improved after RUDA’s Green Initiative interventions at Mehmood Booti dumpsite.
The momentum of RUDA green development initiatives were appreciated as it is the upcoming city which will not only be model to emulate with in the country rather with the concept of sustainable infrastructure, smart transportation, cycling waste management and regenerative initiatives will be an international model of excellence. The conversion of RUDA’s Mehmood Booti dump site into a most modern urban jungle and park with a solar power array generating 5 megawatts of electricity. This will beautify the city and will convert the eye soar into an Aden for both the denizens and the passersby of the ring road.
While speaking on the closure of year 2025, RUDA CEO Imran Amin assured that the development all along the river will follow the master plan with flood control and flood mitigation, adding that they are committed to taking measures that will protect residents living near the Ravi River from future flooding. “This monumental project spans 46 kilometres and covers over 140,000 acres, marking a significant step forward in urban development and sustainable living. This initiative is set to improve the lives of people by developing a series of interconnected infrastructure and flood management for sustainable communities,” Imran Amin said.