It is not surprising that there are many traffic issues in Lahore since it is the commercial hub and capital city of Punjab. Despite a city’s population exceeding 130 million, there are not enough transportation options. After the government of Punjab realized the poor situation of transportation in Lahore, it began constructing the ring road project surrounding Lahore. The project involves the construction of a six-lane divided main carriageway, service roads, interchanges, reinforced earth abutments/walls, underpasses, overhead walking bridges, subways, culverts, flyovers, and other mechanical and civil works.
What is Lahore Ring Road Project?
The Lahore Ring Road is a 103-kilometer-long orbital highway located in Lahore, Pakistan. Lahore is completely encircled by this Ring Road. It is a major backbone of Lahore and helps in reducing travel duration and traffic congestion in the city. This road connects to the M-2 Motorway, the M-11 Motorway, and the N5 National Highway. Approximately 425,000 vehicles travel through it daily. There has been an improvement and widening of all roads that connect with Lahore Ring Road.
Its route is from Babu Sabu to Saggian Interchange, Lahore, Niazi Chowk. From there it runs to Mehmood Booti, passing through GT road, Harbanspura Interchange, Canal Bank Road, Abdullah Gul Interchange, Barki Road, Allama Iqbal International Airport, DHA Phase V & VII, Sui Gas Society, Ghazi Road, Ferozpur Road, to Hudaira Drain (South) to Halloki, Bahria Town to Niaz Baig. There have been twenty interchanges built on this road. Furthermore, there are many industrial units nearby, and the Ring Road will provide an alternate route for heavy traffic.
In How Many Sections, Lahore Ring Road Has Been Divided?
The Lahore Ring Road project consists of three sections. These sections include Northern Loop, Southern Loop, and Western Loop.
Here is the detail of all loops.
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Northern Loop
This loop originates from Gulshan-e-Ravi and crosses Saggian Chowk, Niazi Chowk, Mehmood Booti, GT Road, Lahore Branch Canal (Harbanspura), Barki Road at Mahfooz Shaheed Garrison, Allama Iqbal International Airport, Bedian Road (DHA) up to Sui Gas Housing Society. There are a total of 9 interchanges in this loop. The total length of this loop is 40 Km. The land acquisition cost for this loop was Pkr 21 billion.
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Southern Loop
This loop starts from Sui Gas Town passing through Ferozpure Road at Gajju-Matta, Raiwind Road at Adda Plot, and Multan Road near Berger Paint Factory (Maraka), and ends at Molanwal (at proposed Sharaqpur Road). This loop has been further divided into four loops namely SL-1, SL-2, SL-3, and SL-4. It covers a total distance of 37 Km.
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Western Loop
It starts from Molanwal (at proposed Sharaqpur Road) and ends at Gulshan-e-Ravi. It covers a total distance of 26 Km.
What is the Role of Lahore Ring Road Authority (LRRA)?
Under the provincial government of Punjab, the Lahore Ring Road Authority (LRRA) is a public sector organization. Among its responsibilities is handling all aspects of the Lahore Ring Road project, particularly construction, maintenance, and operations. To oversee the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Ring Road, the Lahore Ring Road Authority was established in 2011 under the Lahore Ring Road Authority Act 2011.
Some Quick Facts to Know About Lahore Ring Road
Here are some points that will help you know more about Lahore Ring Road.
- The total length of Lahore Ring Road is 103 KM
- Over 425,000 vehicles pass through daily
- High-performance heavy bikes are not allowed
- Bicycles, animal-driven carriages, and other slow-moving vehicles are also not allowed on this road
- There are a total of 6 lanes and 20 interchanges on this road
- The project was conceived in 1992 at an estimated cost of 117 billion
- The project has been divided into three sections i.e. Northern Loop, Southern Loop, and Western Loop. The detail of each section is as follows:
- The minimum speed is 80km/h and the maximum speed is 100km/h for heavy transport vehicles
- The road has been constructed using modern technology
Complete List Of Interchanges, Intersections, And Overhead Bridges At Lahore Ring Road
- Babu Sabu Interchange
- Gulshan-e-Ravi Interchange
- Saggian Interchange
- Niazi Interchange
- Badami Bagh Intersection
- Underpass near Shadbagh Pumping Station
- Mehmood Booti Interchange
- GT Road Interchange (Quaid-e-Azam Interchange)
- Canal Bank Road/Harbanspura Interchange
- Railway Line Intersection
- Jallo Road overhead bridge
- Barki Road Intersection
- Abdullah Gul Interchange (Airport Access road Interchange)
- Airport Interchange
- Ghazi Road Interchange
- DHA phase V/VI Interchange
- Sui Gas Society Interchange
- Ferozpur Road Interchange
- Shalimar Interchange
Lahore Ring Road is playing a major role in controlling the traffic of Lahore city. There is no denying that Lahore’s Ring Road has become an important route. The road in Lahore is signal-free and regularly used by hundreds of thousands of people. There is still much to do to improve and update this road to elevate some traffic issues.
