Transportation is a powerful force shaping our cities, capable of both elevating and hindering urban life. Creating efficient, equitable, and sustainable transportation systems is a complex challenge that requires innovative solutions and forward-thinking planning. Urban transportation cannot be considered in isolation; it must be integrated with broader urban development strategies, particularly land-use planning.
The Urban Transport and Connectivity team in Urban Unit is dedicated to realizing Punjab government's vision of dynamic, sustainable urban centers. To achieve this, we are addressing critical challenges such as regulatory gaps, outdated infrastructure, and inefficient traffic management. Our primary focus is on developing comprehensive transportation policies and strategies for Punjab's cities. Through rigorous analysis, innovative reforms, and active stakeholder engagement, we aim to create transportation systems that enhance quality of life, promote economic growth, and reduce environmental impact.
Apart from carrying out analytical and reform work for transport system in Punjab, the Urban Unit has also been engaged in conducting trainings, hosting workshops and seminars to share their vision and work with important stakeholders and general public.
The
Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, through Urban Policy Unit (UPU) Planning and
Development Department (P&DD), realized the dire need of pedestrian
precincts to transform the city into a lively sustainable metropolis and
organized the underlying study with the assistance of the USAID (Municipal
Services Program) as donor.
The
study aims to include improved quality of life through safe and integrated
pedestrian walkways ensuring mobility and accessibility for all. Further, the study
focuses on reduction in congestion through integrated parking provisions for
efficient traffic management and enhanced mobility. Following constitutes the
objectives of the study:
1. To review and analyze the
available pedestrian facilities within the city
2. To identify pedestrian
mobility and accessibility hazardous locations in the city where modal
conflicts results in accidents
3. To identify hot spots in the
city where pedestrian facilities are of utmost importance and necessity
4. To propose and develop
efficient pedestrian infrastructure for people in the city
The
methodology adopted for this study involves composite approach encompassing
descriptive, quantitative and quantitative mode of analysis. The combination of
both subjective and objective techniques helped to examine the prevailing
conditions and to propose necessary infrastructure required to meet pedestrian
and parking needs and define pedestrian precincts and parking spaces.
Assessment of existing situation was done by field visits, consultation
meetings, and descriptive examination of available literature. Subsequently,
both quantitative and qualitative techniques were employed to collect primary
information regarding pedestrian and parking needs and precincts requirements.
Client: Urban Policy Unit, P&D, Gokp
The Urban Unit, in collaboration with M/s Exponent Engineer (Pvt) Ltd., has signed a contract agreement with Punjab Transport Company (PTC) to transform urban mobility in six key cities of Punjab: Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Sargodha, Gujrat, and Rahim Yar Khan. These cities face significant challenges such as traffic congestion, rising pollution from vehicle emissions, and a lack of efficient public transportation systems. This ambitious project aims to evaluate the existing transportation landscape, analyze passenger demand, and identify feasible urban and suburban routes for eco-friendly bus operations. It will also outline operational strategies and infrastructure requirements while incorporating modern systems like automated fare collection and passenger information systems to ensure sustainable and efficient urban transit solutions.
The Urban Unit and M/s Exponent Engineer will design financial models and propose business frameworks customized to local needs, emphasizing public-private partnerships and self-sustaining revenue opportunities. The project will also assess the feasibility of eco-friendly bus options, including electric vehicles, and the necessary supporting infrastructure such as depots and charging facilities. By advancing cleaner and more efficient transportation alternatives, this initiative seeks to reduce the environmental impact of urban mobility, improve commuter accessibility, and foster economic development of Punjab’s growing cities. It marks a critical step towards building greener, smarter, and more interconnected urban environments.
Client: Punjab Transport Company
This project was focused on surveying and assessing closed railway sections of Pakistan Railways to optimize land use and development potential. It involved detailed mapping, encroachment identification, and transport and economic viability analyses across seven railway corridors, totaling over 900 kilometers. Using satellite imagery and mobile application surveys, the team captured land use data and identified encroachments, creating a baseline for evaluating railway properties. Comprehensive stakeholder consultations informed connectivity and economic proposals, while transport and economic assessments utilizing the 3V analysis framework highlighted limited demand for traditional operations but identified opportunities for alternative development, such as commercial and mixed-use zones tailored to regional needs.
Key recommendations included establishing vibrant commercial hubs and mixed-use developments to stimulate industrial growth and address housing needs. Financial modeling evaluated capital costs, payback periods, and internal rates of return (IRR) for proposed alternatives, emphasizing sustainable growth. Additionally, a legal and regulatory framework was proposed to regularize or reclaim encroached land, ensuring the effective utilization of railway assets. By integrating innovative land use strategies and targeted development plans, the study provides a roadmap for transforming dormant railway corridors into economically and socially beneficial assets.
Client: Pakistan Railways
This project involved a comprehensive analysis of transport connectivity and road infrastructure across seven divisions of Punjab Province: Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Multan, Rawalpindi, and Sargodha. The study evaluated road networks, public transport services, and freight transport accessibility, focusing on their impact on regional accessibility and economic development. By considering the unique geographic and demographic characteristics of each division, the project identified current mobility challenges and funding trends while proposing tailored solutions to enhance infrastructure and support sustainable transport growth.
Key findings highlighted the vital role of divisional road networks in linking districts and improving access to markets and services. The analysis used indices such as the Directness Index and Travel Speed to assess road conditions and freight accessibility, identifying areas needing improvement. Proposed interventions included upgrading road infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, and developing facilities like truck terminals to boost freight movement. The recommendations also outlined targeted road schemes to meet local needs, offering policymakers and urban planners actionable insights for fostering sustainable development, economic growth, and improved quality of life across these divisions.
Client: Planning & Development Department, Government of the Punjab
Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan, serves as a vital gateway for international trade, connecting Pakistan with its neighboring countries. As the province's only metropolitan area, it holds strategic importance in logistics and trade. From its origins as a British colonial cantonment, Quetta has transformed into a bustling provincial capital, shaped by geopolitical and socioeconomic dynamics. These changes have influenced its urban growth and infrastructure, including transportation networks. Efforts to guide its development have faced challenges, including rapid motorization, unplanned urbanization, and the need for disaster-resilient planning, as highlighted in the aftermath of past earthquakes.
To address the city's growing transportation needs, the Quetta Development Authority (QDA) hired the consortium of Urban Unit with M/s Accountancy Outsourcing Services (AOS) for development of a Comprehensive Integrated Master Plan in 2019. The Transport Sectoral Plan aims to provide a sustainable roadmap for urban mobility, focusing on public transit, road connectivity, mass transit, freight, and active transport systems. Guided by stakeholder consultations, primary and secondary data collection, and capacity analysis, the plan outlines policy recommendations, phased projects, and institutional improvements for Vision 2050. By addressing current gaps and promoting sustainable mobility, the plan seeks to enhance Quetta’s connectivity, accessibility, and livability, ensuring a better future for its residents.
Client: Quetta Development Authority
