Bike lane on Rawalpindi’s old Airport Road dismantled after one year

RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has begun removing the exclusive bike lane constructed on both sides of the old Airport Road, following directives from the Punjab government. The decision comes just a year after the lane's inauguration.

The seven-kilometre-long bike track, which ranged from 10 to 12 feet in width according to site specifications, was developed in February 2025. The initiative was launched after Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz returned from Japan and introduced the concept, aiming to enhance road safety and provide a dedicated, organised route for motorcyclists.

Despite these intentions, the bike lane saw little use from motorcyclists over the past year. According to Mohammad Kamran, a motorcyclist, "The bike lane was constructed on the extreme left side of the road and it was difficult for motorcyclists to take a right turn to housing schemes along the road." Sarmad Hussain, a resident of Shah Khalid Colony, also noted that the design made it challenging for motorcyclists to access their destinations.

The RDA stated that the removal of the concrete dividers is being carried out because the bike lane was impeding VIP movements along the route. The civic agency has now started dismantling the infrastructure that was put in place for the dedicated lane.

The bike lane was initially introduced as a measure to improve safety and organisation for motorcyclists, but the lack of usage and logistical issues led to its discontinuation. The removal process is currently underway, and the road is being restored to its previous configuration.