Punjab’s Urban Transport Overhaul Raises Concerns Over Mega Project Overlaps in Gujranwala

Gujranwala – Punjab’s ambitious plans to modernize Gujranwala’s public transport system through a new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project and the introduction of electric buses are sparking urgent calls for better coordination among government departments. Experts warn that without synchronized planning, the overlapping of multi-billion-rupee projects could lead to costly disruptions, damage to infrastructure, and unnecessary financial losses.

At the center of the city’s transformation is the Signal-Free Corridor Project, a 12.7-kilometer development stretching from Chan Da Qila Chowk to Aziz Bypass. With a budget of Rs5.7 billion, the project—overseen by the Communication and Works Department—aims to convert a busy section of the historic GT Road into a high-capacity corridor featuring nine U-turns and uninterrupted traffic flow. The initiative, launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, is scheduled for completion by June 2025.

Running alongside this, the Punjab Safe City Gujranwala Project, worth Rs9.2 billion, is being rolled out with 1,850 surveillance cameras, underground fiber optic networks, and advanced monitoring systems. While over 1,500 cameras have already been installed, officials fear that road digging and construction for the BRT system may disrupt or damage this newly laid infrastructure if proper coordination is not ensured.

Adding another layer to the city’s redevelopment, the Punjab Government has also announced the deployment of electric buses. In the first phase, 380 buses will be launched across Lahore and Gujranwala by June 2025. This is part of a wider plan to introduce 1,500 electric buses across Punjab, including Sialkot, Gujrat, Sargodha, Sheikhupura, Rahim Yar Khan, and Dera Ghazi Khan, in an effort to promote eco-friendly urban mobility and reduce carbon emissions.

However, urban development experts caution that without proper alignment between projects, Gujranwala could face overlapping roadworks, repeated relocation of utilities, and heavy financial losses.

Gujranwala Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Naveed reassured citizens that the BRT would not interfere with the Signal-Free Corridor. “There are nine U-turn points on the BRT route. Nothing on the corridor will be changed. Only traffic signals will temporarily halt vehicles during the passage of BRT buses,” he stated.

Yet, challenges remain. City Police Officer Rana Ayaz Saleem revealed that Safe City officials raised concerns in a meeting with the Punjab Transport Minister, warning of potential risks to up to 12 surveillance cameras along the BRT path. The Transport Department has reportedly agreed to bear the costs of any damages.

Meanwhile, the Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) has been forced to repeatedly relocate poles along the route. A senior GEPCO official said that although Rs600 million had already been spent to move poles 10 to 15 feet away from the road, the BRT project now requires them to be shifted another 30 to 40 feet, adding significant costs.

In response, the Planning and Development Department has directed the Commissioner Gujranwala to implement a unified strategy involving the Transport, Communication & Works, and Safe City departments to prevent overlap, delays, and financial losses.

Urban planning specialists stress the need for a multi-agency technical audit, precise mapping of underground infrastructure, and well-synchronized timelines. They believe these steps are critical for ensuring that Gujranwala’s transition into a smart, efficient, and sustainable city does not compromise safety, infrastructure, or public money.