Muhammad Luqman

Pakistan has joined the exclusive club of nations with smart roads following the construction of a futuristic and state-of-the-art thoroughfare in the eastern city of Lahore, reports WealthPK. The concept of smart roads has recently become a buzzword around the world. Several countries are actively developing such roads by incorporating technologies like intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and connected vehicle infrastructure.

These countries include Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, Australia, Canada, the US, and South Korea. “This 4.5-kilometer-long road is part of the broader development of Lahore’s Central Business District (CBD). The installation of solar panels along the sidewalks will not only provide shade but also generate up to one megawatt of electricity,” Imran Amin, CEO of CBD Punjab, told WealthPK.

The Rs9 billion (approximately USD 32 million) project, undertaken by the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (CBD Punjab), boasts several smart features, including a nearly one-kilometer flyover and dedicated pedestrian and bicycle lanes. The road is designed to prevent water accumulation during rainfall, addressing a common issue during Lahore’s monsoon season.

The road runs through the old Walton Airport area, which is now being transformed into a new business hub with tall buildings, offices, shops, and more. It’s called Lahore’s Central Business District — a place where the city plans to grow upward rather than outward. “Much of the construction in the area is nearly complete. New sewage lines, a rainwater drainage system, and two parking plazas have been developed. An artificial lake is also under construction to collect rainwater,” Imran Amin told WealthPK.

He said the project had been carried out to transform the area into a modern zone for business, technology, and innovation. “Route 47 is just the beginning. It shows that Lahore is moving toward a smarter, greener, and more organized future,” the CEO of CBD Punjab said. He explained that the new concept of mobility is based on three core goals: enhancing the traveler’s experience, actively reducing CO2 emissions, and ultimately eliminating road accidents.

He expressed hope that the success of this pilot project would encourage the Punjab government to replicate it across Lahore and in other parts of the province. Solar energy experts have welcomed the completion of Pakistan’s first electricity-generating road, hoping that other roads across the country will also contribute to energy production.

“Installing solar panels along sidewalks can be included in future projects; this will not only generate energy but also provide shade for travelers,” said Muhammad Farhan, former chairman of the Pakistan Solar Association (PSA). Speaking to WealthPK, he said China has already seen success with solar panel installations along roads.

“Roads offer good space for solar panel installations to generate energy — we should take advantage of this opportunity,” said Muhammad Farhan. However, he suggested that future smart road projects should incorporate additional features, such as artificial intelligence — common in the developed world — so that mobility in Pakistan can meet international standards.

Credit: INP-WealthPk