Murree is Pakistan’s favourite and most visited resort town. Be it summer, when it serves as an escape from the unforgiving heat of the plains and coastal areas, or winter, when snowfall is a major attraction, every Pakistani wants to visit Murree.
But in peak seasons, the high volume of traffic often leads to several inconveniencies due to hours-long gridlocks. But that’s about to change. Prime Minister (PM) Mr Nawaz Sharif has directed the Punjab government to analyse the idea of construction of an alternative expressway from Islamabad to Murree and Patriata via Kotli Sattian. So, if the proposed plan is realised, many of the problems of tourists and the local population related to traffic jams in Murree will be resolved.
According to a news source, the PM – in a meeting held on September 1 – instructed the officials concerned to prepare a work plan and a proposal to build the expressway in question.
Reportedly, the meeting was not only limited to discussions on an alternative expressway, as some other large-scale developments in Murree were also discussed.
So, what else is in the bag? The PM issued directives to launch a chair lift service from Kotli Sattian to Patriata, while also approving a proposal to launch a similar service between Bastal Morr and Pindi Point. The PM stressed that the new chair lift projects should not disturb the privacy of houses along their routes, per the news source.
The chair lift service has always been a favourite of the tourists travelling to the hill station and it is also used as a transport service because it allows visitors to get to tourist points that may not be easily reachable otherwise.
The proposed chair lift services are likely to be highly appreciated by tourists and residents alike.
The development projects do not end here, as essential facilities are also being upgraded in Murree. The PM has approved a water scheme worth Rs 7 billion for the hill station. Under the scheme, water will be supplied to Murree from Jhelum River through a 30-km pipeline which will be laid out within 18 months after the contract is awarded.
Reportedly, medical facilities were also a point of concern for the PM in the meeting, as he approved a plan for the construction of a new hospital near the general bus stand in Murree. The decision for a new hospital was taken during a meeting in July, and in the recent meeting the PM emphasised that the new hospital would be equipped with modern facilities in order to ensure the highest standards of medical care.
Samli Sanatorium will be converted into a major medical centre and a medical college will be built on its premises, according to the directions given by the PM.
The news source reported further that the meeting discussed the rainwater harvesting system installed in Murree and also emphasised its extension with the help of local residents. Last but not least, the development and upgrade of the Brazilian embassy building – to make it a tourist attraction – was also discussed in the meeting.
Now that the problems of hordes of traffic, limited chair lift services and lack of medical and basic facilities are being looked into and hopefully solved effectively, Pakistan’s favourite hill station is likely to become even more attractive for tourists and more convenient for the residents.
“If urban development continues in Murree and the government continues to allow urban construction, property prices in the resort town can increase by 100% in a year. However, if urban development is hindered by the government, such progress may not be seen,” Mr Hassan Cheenah, the developer of Murree Modern Villages, told Zameen.com. He also said that when he began his project in Murree in 2012, per-kanal land price was Rs 400,000, however, in 2015, the price spiked to Rs 2,000,000 per kanal.
I believe the new developments will not go unappreciated, and will help in boosting tourism numbers and increasing the standard of living. Our readers should also bear in mind that with these significant additions to Murree’s infrastructure, it is highly likely that the value of real estate in this resort town – which is very popular given the attractive prices and the comfort of having a summer home – will rise noticeably.
Such developments for Murree have long been due but unfortunately none of the past governments paid such a serious attention. Planning must be done very carefully to protect natural habitats and the scenery. It would be more appropriate if an international tender is floated to have a flawless and a modern development plan.
The plan, if implemented, shall give a tremendous boost .to real estate sector. The price rise shall be more than expected. Lets keep our fingers crossed.
Nicely narrated by Ms., Anam, keep it up.
i think Punjab Govt should consult intl vendors of trains to have such type of service from pindi to murree.this will add beauty to enviroment and also be helpfull to tourists.
Miss Anam you wrote a good article,but In addition to that I want to bring following serious issues of Murree in your knowledge.
1) The unfriendly , Rude and disrespectful behavior and attitude of Murree’s local people towards tourists.
2) There is a construction ban in murree and also ban science after 2005 earthquake by court on building of more than 2 story of existing buildings, but people affiliated with politics have constructed hotels up to 5 stories in recent years example are Ambassador hotel at GPO, Faran hotel etc and many more . 4,5 years ago Govt carried out operation against multi storey buildings but those building belonging to outsiders were demolished but these local politically affiliated peoples buildings were not even touched.
3) The very high rates of hotels charged but with poor standard and dirty rooms, there must be some price control mechanism and ratings must be given to hotels.
4) one in 10 person who bought property in murree has a complain of Qabza mafia who occupied their property
Dear CM shahbaz sharif only building roads and chairlift cant make murree a popular hill station but the hospitality of any city earns it the place in top numbering
Dear Anam,
you have written a nice and useful article highlighting the developments that the govt is considering to make including a new approach road, hospital, rain harvesting,chairlift etc. Such things have also been done in the past but the situation in the city of Murree remains bleak with garbage,pollution,traffic congestion and tacky and filthy accommodation to name a few. This has resulted in a place which no decent person or family can visit.
Instead on building more roads the govt should consider and plan to deveelop new hill resorts with proper planning and strong building laws.