s you enter the Kalma Chowk underpass, a vivid blue side lane catches your eye. Don’t mistake it for a stretch of the road that’s there for some decorative purposes; it is part of Pakistan’s first sustainable infrastructure development project, Central Business District (or CBD), introduced by the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA).

It is believed to be a game-changer, as the coating of blue, heat-reflective pigment not only helps cool the temperatures around the road but also increases visibility at night time. Besides, the blue pigment mixed with asphalt is non-sticky and non-skidding, which makes it safer for driving compared to regular metalled roads.

Blue roads are the new rage around the world and several countries have already adopted it. In Qatar, for instance, where temperatures regularly soar above 40°C, the capital city of Doha has got blue roads as part of its strategy to combat the urban heat island effect. The Netherlands has been at the forefront of sustainable infrastructure development, with many of its cities already using blue roads. In 2018, the city of Rotterdam unveiled the world’s first blue-coated solar road made from concrete blocks embedded with solar panels. A 70-metre-long bike path, it generates electricity from sunlight and is capable of providing power to homes and buildings in the surrounding area. It can also withstand heavy use.

Similarly, the Dutch city of Nijmegen has a blue road which is built with recycled plastic waste mixed with waste material from steel production. The blue pigment is added to make it more visible to drivers. The plastic road is considered to be lighter and more durable than traditional asphalt, and its permeable surface allows for better water management.

The blue road in Lahore is said to be the first of its kind in Asia. Over 700 metres long, it’s paved along the CBD Punjab Boulevard. It is also a lane marked for entering the CBD’s Quaid District and the Ali-Zaib Road underpass. Imran Amin, the CEO of CBD Punjab, tells TNS, “It’s the first step towards more such lanes and streets in the upcoming business district. This may take time, but the entire business district will be a blue drive and walking area.

“At CBD Punjab, we are committed to providing innovative and environment friendly solutions to our citizens. A blue road is just one of the many steps towards sustainable infrastructure development,” he adds.

According to Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa, such modern trends must be adopted to mitigate the effects of climate change. He believes that the construction of Pakistan’s first blue road is a significant step towards sustainable infrastructure development. “It will have a positive impact on the environment and provide a safer and more pleasant road network for motorists and pedestrians. With the successful completion of this pilot project, we hope to see more blue roads in the future,” he says.

The citizens are calling it a welcome change. “It does not absorb heat and has a cooling effect, which is such a relief during the scorching summer months,” says Mona Zia, an artist.

For Umer Khan, a university student, the blue road is “a step towards combating the urban heat island effect, which causes an increase in surface and air temperatures in the city.”

Blue road is just one of several ways in which the rising temperatures can be mitigated. Imran Amin reveals that the CBD Punjab plans to introduce green roofs, solar energy, and water harvesting to improve the environment and reduce the carbon footprint of the city.

Once the trial period is over, the authorities plan to implement the blue road technology in other parts of the CBD in the province.

The writer is a media veteran interested in politics, consumer rights and entrepreneurship