The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has officially launched a large-scale beautification project along Grand Trunk Road, aiming to improve the visual appeal and environmental quality of one of the city’s most important traffic corridors.
The project covers the stretch from Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Phase-I to Phase-II, along with the area located in front of Bahria Town. This section of GT Road serves as a key gateway for daily commuters, commercial traffic, and residents traveling between Rawalpindi and surrounding areas.
According to officials, the initiative has been launched under the directives of RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza, who emphasized the need to modernize major arteries of the city while maintaining environmental balance. Work on the project has already begun, marking the start of a broader effort to upgrade Rawalpindi’s urban infrastructure.
The beautification plan focuses on landscaping, plantation, and aesthetic improvements designed to transform the corridor into a cleaner and more visually pleasing route. Green belts are being enhanced, and efforts are underway to introduce decorative plants and trees that can withstand local climate conditions.
Officials said the project also aims to reduce visual pollution along the road by organizing existing structures and improving roadside cleanliness. Enhanced lighting, better maintenance of medians, and removal of encroachments are expected to contribute to a safer and more organized driving experience.
GT Road is one of the busiest and most historically significant routes in the region, connecting Rawalpindi with major cities across Punjab. Due to heavy traffic flow, the road has long required attention not only for maintenance but also for urban beautification and environmental sustainability.
RDA sources noted that improving the appearance of major roadways plays an important role in shaping public perception of the city. Beautification projects are also seen as a step toward promoting civic pride and encouraging responsible use of public spaces.
The authority has assured residents that the work will be carried out in phases to minimize disruption to traffic. Coordination with traffic police and relevant departments has been initiated to ensure smooth execution of the project.
Urban planners believe such initiatives can have long-term benefits, including improved air quality through plantation and reduced stress for commuters due to cleaner and greener surroundings. Similar projects in other parts of the city have previously received positive feedback from the public.
RDA officials added that this project aligns with the broader vision of improving Rawalpindi’s infrastructure while keeping sustainability and environmental care at the forefront. Additional beautification initiatives in other parts of the city are also under consideration.
As work progresses, residents and commuters are expected to see gradual but noticeable changes along the GT Road corridor. The authority has urged the public to cooperate during the construction phase and help preserve the improvements once completed.
