How the New Pedestrian Bridge at Islamabad Murree Road Bhara Khu Can Save Lives

Bhara Khu is a busy town near Islamabad, where many people use the Green Bus Metro Station to commute every day. The government has constructed a pedestrian bridge for the residents of Gilani Town and other nearby areas to cross the road safely. This bridge is also part of the Bhara Khu Bypass project, which aims to provide an alternative route to Murree, Kashmir, and Galiyat¹.

However, it is unfortunate that many people are still unaware of the benefits of using this bridge and prefer to cross the road directly, risking their lives. In the past few days, two fatal accidents have occurred on this road, highlighting the need for more awareness and safety measures².

We urge the IG Islamabad and SSP Traffic Police Islamabad to assign officials on both sides of the bridge who can guide the people on how to use this bridge properly. Only the administration can educate the people on the importance of this bridge for their own safety and convenience.

The Bhara Khu Bypass project was launched by the PTI government in November 2021, and was later continued by the PDM government after the PTI government ended in a no-confidence vote¹. The project was assigned to the National Logistics Cell (NLC), which completed the construction of a three-lane roadway spanning over 5 kilometers, connecting the Quaid-e-Azam University entry point to Jugi Bus Stop, within a budget of Rs. 6.5 billion¹³.
The project also included a 1,350-meter overhead bridge, which was completed in nine months². However, in February 2023, an incident took place on the Bhara Khu Bypass, when one of the pillars of the flyover collapsed, killing two laborers and injuring three others¹ .
The civic agency plans to plant 50,000 trees along the Bhara Khu bypass to beautify the area and make the environment better. The plan is to plant 25,000 trees during the monsoon season, and another 25,000 trees in the spring tree plantation campaign next year².
The Bhara Khu bypass is expected to ease the traffic congestion on the Murree Road, which is one of the busiest roads in the country. The bypass will also facilitate the tourists and the dwellers of Murree, Galiyat, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, who can enjoy a smooth and scenic drive to their destinations²³.
The new pedestrian bridge is a vital component of the Bhara Khu Bypass project, as it can save the lives of the people who cross the road every day. It is a matter of civic responsibility and common sense to use this bridge instead of endangering oneself and others by crossing the road directly. We hope that the people of Bhara Khu and the surrounding areas will appreciate this facility and use it wisely.