Project to control urban uncontrolled expansion, river channelization, protection against floods and set new international standards for liliving
By M Qadeer
Lahore– The Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA), which spans over an impressive 46 kilometers length along the Ravi River which is divided into three phases, is set to reshape the future of Lahore with its massive urban development project aimed at controlling the city’s rapid expansion while protecting its valuable land along the river encroached by the people.
In an exclusive interview during a visit to the RUDA’S river training works project, located on both sides of the River Ravi, RUDA Project Director Rao Intizar Ali expressed the details of this ambitious endeavor.
The Ruda River Training Works project is aimed to provide international standards of living for residents of Lahore and its surrounding areas. With its scope and design, Rao Intizar Ali compared the development to global landmarks like Thames River in London and Dubai’s waterfronts. “Our vision is to create an ideal residential and commercial space that offers modern amenities, environmental friendly, sets new standards of living, and provides an iconic skyline for the city,” he said.
The project, which will cover 110,000 acres, is designed to accommodate 5 million residents once fully developed. The RUDA team is working tirelessly to ensure that the phase-1 Riverfront project is completed within the next three years. “Development around the river is quite challenging due to its unique topography and ecological considerations. However, the land in phase-1 near river has been less demanding, making it possible to fast-track our progress,” Intizar explained. The project is 15 kilometers away from Lahore and can be accessed via the Kala Khatai Road, which leads directly to the development site.
RUDA’s project also promises to protect the surrounding land from the floods while providing a modern, sustainable living environment. “Lahore has been expanding uncontrollably for years, consuming valuable farmland in the process,” Intizar noted. “This project is designed to counteract that trend by concentrating urban development around the river and preserving the land around the river and developing a riverfront city by developing river Promenades on international standards essential for our economy.”
In response to concerns about land acquisition, Rao Intizar clarified the distinction between procurement and acquisition. “There is no question of forcing anyone to sell their land. After the courts’ intervention, RUDA cannot forcibly acquire any land,” he said. “If a landowner is willing to sell, we proceed with the purchase. If not, we respect their decision. Our aim is to develop areas where there is consent from the community for the betterment of this country and it’s residents.”
RUDA’s plan includes the creation of model villages and waterfront bays at each of its developments. “This will be Pakistan’s first large-scale riverfront development, offering a modern, eco-friendly, and sustainable environment,” Intizar concluded. “It’s a project that will change the face of Lahore for generations to come.”
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