Lahore unveils Pakistan’s first electricity-generating road

The Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (CBD Punjab) has completed the construction of Route 47 in Lahore, a 4.5-kilometre road equipped with advanced smart infrastructure.

The project, which cost approximately Rs. 9 billion, is situated at Kalma Chowk and connects major arteries such as Ferozepur Road, Main Boulevard Gulberg, Walton Road, and Lahore Ring Road.

Route 47 plays a key role in supporting the Central Business District (CBD) — a high-rise commercial hub being developed on the former Walton Airport site. A 1-kilometre flyover has also been constructed to connect directly to Walton Road.

According to CBD Punjab CEO Imran Amin, Route 47 is designed to prevent waterlogging and includes dedicated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists.

One of its standout features is the integration of solar panels along pedestrian pathways, which generate up to one megawatt of electricity and provide shade, making it the first road in Pakistan to produce its own energy.

In addition, the project includes an advanced sewerage network and an underground rainwater harvesting system.

The harvested water will supply a nearby artificial lake, which is currently under development. Two multi-storey parking plazas are also nearing completion to help manage traffic in the CBD area.