‘Punjab Unveils Tourism Mega Push’: Sky Glass Bridge, luxury zones, Murree revamp approved

• CM Maryam Nawaz okays first-ever Sky Glass Bridge in Kotli Sattian, with Nawaz Sharif joins high-level review of Murree revival plan

• Three new hospitality zones to bring five-star tourism to Murree, while glass train, parks, zoo eco-zone, glamping village to transform tourist landscape

• Water schemes, 187,600 rainwater systems and new Facility Management Unit approved

 

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has granted in-principle approval for the province’s first Sky Glass Bridge project in Kotli Sattian, in a major push to promote tourism, as a high-level meeting reviewed progress on the Murree Protection and Rehabilitation Plan.

The decision was taken during a special meeting jointly presided over by Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, where officials assessed ongoing and proposed initiatives for the uplift and restoration of Murree.

The meeting decided to engage international experts to tackle persistent landsliding in Murree. The chief minister directed immediate steps to address the mid-flow downhill effect and ordered relief and rehabilitation for those affected in Chatta Mor, Darya Gali, Bansera Gali, Naml, Jhika Gali and adjoining areas.

Approval was also granted for establishing three new hospitality zones in Murree’s suburban areas — Shawala, Sozo and Brewery — where five-star standard hotels will be developed in collaboration with the private sector.

It was further decided to constitute a team of experts for the Murree rehabilitation project, while the chief minister directed the immediate removal of debris from structures demolished during anti-encroachment operations.

The meeting was informed that Jhika Gali Road and Reach Bil Road would each be widened by 10 feet. The chief minister set a one-month deadline to initiate construction work on the Murree Glass Train project.

A detailed briefing was given on three new parks to be developed in Murree, including Angoori Road Park, MIT Park and Ariari Park in Kotli Sattian.

Participants were told that a zoological garden, zoological eco-zone, bridge crossing and a state-of-the-art conference facility would be established at Bansera Gali. Plans also include wildlife conservation facilities such as a bear house, tiger house and bird aviary.

Murree’s first glamping pod village will be set up at Chewra Hill as a modern tourist attraction, with its management to be outsourced to the private sector, as approved by the chief minister.

The meeting also approved the Paragliding Club project in Chewra and reviewed progress on the Kotli Sattian chairlift project, Punjab House, Forest Rest House and other initiatives.

The chief minister directed that the feasibility report for a bulk water supply scheme from the River Jhelum for Murree district be completed by April 30.

According to a briefing by Deputy Commissioner Zaheer Shirazi, rainwater harvesting systems have been implemented in 187,600 homes across Murree and Kotli Sattian, easing the burden on women and children who previously fetched water from distant locations. Water supply schemes in Dhar Jawa and Donga Gali have also been completed.

The chief minister additionally granted in-principle approval for establishing Punjab’s first Facility Management Unit to oversee construction, maintenance and management of Punjab Houses and other public buildings across the province.