Punjab Approves Rs32.8bn Roads, Lahore Auto Centre

a source report reports that Punjab’s Provincial Development Working Party has approved two road schemes with a combined estimated cost of Rs32.798 billion, along with a proposed Centre of Excellence in Advanced Automotive Technologies in Shahdara, Lahore worth Rs762 million. The road package covers the Gujrat-Sargodha Road rehabilitation in Mandi Bahauddin and the Lilla Interchange on the M-2 Motorway to Pind Dadan Khan dualization, but the report does not confirm when work will start, when funds will be released, or when admissions may open for the auto centre (source report).

Where the Rs32.8bn road money is said to go

The reported road spend breaks into two parts. For background, read our earlier coverage: Punjab’s Toll Roads Get a Tech Upgrade, Digital Toll System Across 24 Districts.

• Gujrat-Sargodha Road rehabilitation, Mandi Bahauddin district: estimated at Rs11.989 billion

• Lilla Interchange on the M-2 Motorway to Pind Dadan Khan dualization: estimated at Rs20.809 billion

Added together, that comes to Rs32.798 billion, which is why the story is being discussed as a roughly Rs32.8 billion road package. The key word here is “estimated.” That is not the same thing as cash already released, a contractor already hired, or machinery already on the ground.

The source report also says the Lilla-Pind Dadan Khan project was reportedly referred to the Public Sector Development Programme, but that still does not prove final funding release or active procurement. For readers, that matters. Approval is only one step. After that usually comes administrative sanction, tendering, contractor appointment and then construction.

Why these routes matter to everyday travel

The Gujrat-Sargodha Road is important for people moving between Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin and Sargodha, including passengers, traders and freight operators. If the road is improved as planned, it could mean better surface quality, more steady travel and less strain on vehicles. But we should be careful here: the source report does not give a project length, final design scope or completion timeline.

The Lilla Interchange to Pind Dadan Khan route is also worth watching because it links local traffic to the M-2 motorway network. Dualization usually means more road capacity, but the real benefit will depend on the final design, land needs, utility shifts, funding release and how construction is managed.

For now, commuters and transport businesses should not change routes or delivery plans just because this has been approved on paper. Wait for official diversion notices and work schedules. If you want background on Punjab’s broader road push, our earlier report on Punjab's Big Infrastructure Push: Smoother Roads and Greener Cities Ahead is a useful read.

What is known about the Lahore automotive centre

The same source report says Punjab has approved a Centre of Excellence in Advanced Automotive Technologies in Shahdara, Lahore, with an estimated cost of Rs762 million. That sounds promising for workshops and young technicians, especially as more modern cars now rely on computer-based systems rather than only basic mechanical repair.

But here’s the catch: the report does not confirm the course list, admissions process, intake size, accreditation, instructor team or opening date. It also does not confirm whether the centre will teach EV battery work, hybrid safety or advanced diagnostics. So for now, we should treat it as a proposed training facility, not an open institute.

That said, the idea itself makes sense. Pakistan’s newer cars, including hybrids and more electronics-heavy models, need technicians who understand diagnostic tools, sensors, control units and safe handling procedures. A centre like this could help bridge that skills gap, but only if Punjab later shares the curriculum, equipment list and admission details.

What readers should watch next

If you’re a commuter, keep an eye on:

• official project schedules

• tender notices

• contractor awards

• road closure and diversion updates

• land or utility work notices, if any are announced

If you’re a student or workshop worker, watch for:

• the centre’s opening notice

• course and eligibility details

• admission dates

• certification or accreditation information

Until those details appear, this should be read as an approved development package, not a finished road network or a ready-to-use training centre. The value is real only when the paperwork turns into actual work on the ground.

Conclusion

Punjab’s reported approval could help two different groups at once: road users who want smoother regional travel, and young technicians who need better training for modern cars. But the practical benefit will only come when official schedules, funding steps and admissions details are announced.

For commuters and transport businesses, the smart move is to wait for construction notices before planning around these schemes. For aspiring technicians, keep watching Punjab’s official updates before assuming the Shahdara centre is open for enrolment.

Explore DrivePK services

Buying or selling a vehicle? Explore DrivePK services, including car inspection, Sell It For Me and Featured Listings, and choose the option that fits your needs.

For more updates, visit DrivePK.com