Route 47: Pakistan’s First Electricity-Generating Road

Pakistan has unveiled Route 47 in Lahore, a 4.5-kilometer electricity-generating road that not only connects key urban areas but also produces its own power. The project was led by the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (CBD Punjab).

Solar panels are installed along the footpaths, and these panels generate up to one megawatt of power. Additionally, these panels provide shade for pedestrians while contributing to the city’s energy needs.​

The road features a one-kilometer flyover connecting directly to Walton Road and includes separate tracks for pedestrians and cyclists. Route 47 is designed to prevent waterlogging and features a modern sewerage system. It also includes an underground rainwater harvesting mechanism that will feed into an upcoming artificial lake.

Global Innovations: Electricity-Generating Roads

Pakistan’s Route 47 joins a global movement toward energy-generating roadways. Here’s how other countries are integrating similar technologies:​

France: In 2016, France inaugurated a one-kilometer solar panel road in Normandy. The aim of the road is to power streetlights in the village of Tourouvre-au-Perche.​

Netherlands: The SolaRoad project installed solar panels on bike paths to harness solar energy, demonstrating the potential of combining transportation routes with renewable energy generation.​

India: Proposals have been made to integrate piezoelectric sensors into roadways to harness mechanical energy from vehicles. This could potentially power streetlights and traffic signals along highways.

Pakistan’s Route 47 is a significant milestone in the global movement toward transforming roads into energy-generating assets. By integrating solar panels, the road not only contributes to urban energy needs but also sets a model for other nations.