GT Road, Taxila

HIGHLIGHTS

ABOUT GT ROAD, TAXILA

Taxila is an industrial city in the district of Rawalpindi. It serves as the headquarters for Taxila Tehsil, which is one of the eight tehsils or sub-divisions of Rawalpindi District. Taxila houses a UNESCO World Heritage Site of the same name. As such, the city holds immense historical and cultural significance. It is believed that the early scriptures of Mahabharata, the great Sanskrit epic, were first recited here.

GT Road enters southern Taxila near Taxila Bypass. For about 2 kilometres, both sides of the road are flanked by flour mills and petrol pumps. Hill View Housing Scheme is one of the few residential projects in this area. 

More housing societies emerge as the road continues its journey north towards Sarai Khola, another, relatively unknown, archaeological site in the city. All in all, GT Road in the city of Taxila is around 4 kilometres long. This stretch is lined by a number of housing societies, including:

• Faisal Hills
• Wahdat Colony
• New Wahdat Town
• Kohsar Colony
• Hassan Colony

Almost all kinds of neighbourhood amenities in these localities, such as schools and mosques, are more or less a 10-minute walk, or a 15-minute drive, away from GT Road, Taxila. 

Near Sarai Khola, GT Road intersects Thatha Khalil Road. From there, the road bends its way west into Wah Cantonment, aka Wah Cantt, a military city that’s part of Taxila Tehsil in Rawalpindi District. Nearby localities include:

• Jamilabad
• Nawababad
• New City Phase II

While New City Phase II is largely under construction, Jamilabad and Nawababad are well-established residential areas. 

GT Road, Taxila, is integral to the region as it provides a convenient route from Punjab to the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. But there’s a lot more to it than just that. Let’s find out.

NEIGHBOURHOOD

FACILITIES, SCHOOLS AND HEALTHCARE

Public Transport near GT Road, Taxila

One of the major public transport options near GT Road, Taxila, is Taxila Bypass Bus Stop. It is situated near Hill View Housing Scheme. People mainly use this bus stop to travel to Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Taxila Bypass is also known as Tank Chowk among the locals. 

In addition, a taxi stand near Sarai Khola and Jamilabad also serves as a convenient option for those who want to travel to the city centre of Taxila. Buses and wagons to Wah and Rawalpindi are available at Taxila Bus Stop, which is situated near the interchange of GT Road and Thatha Khalil Road. Residents of Nawababad, Jamilabad and Wah Cantt can also take a bus from Nawababad Bus Stop.

Other than that, Taxila Cantonment Junction Railway Station is about 6 km away from GT Road, Taxila. The fastest route to get to the station from GT Road is through Syed Sagheer Hussain Shah Road. Islamabad International Airport is roughly 26 km away. 

Markets near GT Road, Taxila

Having markets in the neighbourhood always helps as you don’t have to travel long distances to buy everyday items. It saves both your money and time. You can easily find small markets near GT, Taxila. You’ll find clusters of general stores located between Sarai Khola and Nawababad, as this is the stretch, as discussed in the introduction, where you find more well-established neighborhoods. A few of these stores are listed below:

• Saleem General Store, Street Number 2, Jamilabad
• Kashmir Karyana and General Store, Quaid Avenue, Jamilabad
• Khalid Bakers & General Store, Madina Street, Nawababad, Wah Cantt
• Hamza General Store, Gulberg Colony, Nawababad, Jamilabad, Wah Cantt
• Bismillah Tuck Shop, Jalala Road, Malikabad, Wah Cantt

Saleem General Store is quite feasible because it is one of those shops where nearly every household product is available. Also, the store is known for providing money transfer services and serving as a collection point for electricity bills.

People who live in or near Wahdat Colony, along the southern prong of GT Road, Taxila, can easily access Abdul Samad Market. It’s located on Street 1 of the colony. One of its branches is located in Rehman Abad, barely a kilometre away, whereas there is another branch which is approximately 2 km away. People living in Kohsar Colony and Hill View Housing Scheme can also access the aforementioned stores conveniently.

Luckily, a good number of petrol stations also lie near GT Road, Taxila, and people living in different areas near the road can easily access them. For example, the following pumps are a 5 to 10-minute drive away from Hill View Housing Scheme:

• Hamza Petroleum Petrol Pump
• Usman Petroleum Service
• Usman Petroleum Service – Total Petrol Station
• Taxila Petro-Filling Station

Those residing in Wahdat Colony, New Wahdat Town and Kohsar Colony can easily access Raja CNG Station and Shell Petrol Pump. While members of Hassan Colony and Sarai Khola have these options:

• Shafique Petroleum & Fatima CNG (Attock Oil)
• Sheikh Brothers-Total Petrol Station
• Total Parco Petrol Pump
• Mardan Addha

In addition, a large market can be found in Sarai Khola, Taxila. It is known as Mughal Market Rehbar Colony, HMC, Taxila. It is one of the most versatile shopping areas where lots of common household necessities are available. Apart from fresh fruits and vegetables, the market also comprises tailor shops, beauty parlours, shoes, garments, crockery, toys, gift shops and jewellers. Parking is also available, so shoppers needn’t worry about their vehicles. Hence, this shopping facility is an ideal one for residents of housing societies near both stretches of GT Road, Taxila.

Mosques near GT Road, Taxila

Spirituality is an important aspect of life in a traditional Pakistani neighbourhood. And to practice it in a more consistent way, it always helps if mosques and other areas of worship are located within walking distance. There are three mosques that people living near the southern part of GT Road, Taxila, especially those living in Wahdat Colony and Kohsar Colony can conveniently walk to. Their names are listed right below to help you find them:

• Masjid Siddiq-e-Akbar, Wahdat Colony
• Taha Mosque, Wahdat Town
• Masjid Noor-ul-Islam, Phase II, Taxila Cantt Road, Kohsar Colony
• Jamia Masjid Faiz-e-Noor, Kohsar Colony

Those visiting Sarai Khola can walk to Um-e-Amara Mosque, which is located near Taxila Bus Stop.

Schools and Colleges near GT Road, Taxila

Of all the common neighbourhood amenities that can affect a buyer’s decision to buy residential property, proximity to well-reviewed schools is one of the most important. As discussed above, this national highway passes by a large number of prominent housing societies in Taxila. Therefore, you’d easily be able to find a number of good schools near GT Road. If you’re looking for a pre-school, for instance, you can explore Misali Superior Pre-Cadet School on Timber Market Road, near Hassan Colony. There’s also a campus of The Educators on the same road that comprises a pre-school campus, along with primary and secondary school sections. The school, a project of the Beaconhouse School System, follows the Federal Board curriculum. For admissions, you can easily register and pay online.

There are two government schools near Sarai Khola: Government Boys High School near HMC Road and, on the same road, less than a 5-minute drive away, Government Taleem-ul-Quran. 

Other prominent schools near GT Road include the ones in Wahdat Colony:

• Cantt Public Boys School and College 
• Bahria Foundation School
• Wahdat Public School
• Haq Public School
• Punjab Government School for Girls

Bahria Foundation School is a project of Bahria Foundation, which is a charitable group that aids retired personnel of Pakistan Navy and their families. This campus offers classes from Montessorri to Grade 8. 

These schools are also conveniently reachable from Kohsar Colony and New Wahdat Town.

Localities in Jamilabad and Nawabad near GT Road, Taxila, have easy access to The Knowledge School Taxila Campus.

Colleges near GT Road, Taxila

At the moment, there are no colleges near the areas near GT Road, Taxila, where Wahdat Colony, New Wahdat Town, Kohsar Colony and Sarai Khola are situated. There are some institutions lining the stretch towards Wah:

• Punjab Superior College in Jamilabad
• Quest Institute of Management & Sciences in Jamilabad
• Mashal Degree College for Women near Quaid Avenue
• POF Institute of Technology near Quaid Avenue

POF Institute of Technology is considered as one of the best institutes where technical training is provided. The institution offers up to 8,000 courses on a first come, first served basis.

Banks near GT Road, Taxila

It is important to have banks nearby so that financial aspects can be taken care of in a proficient way. Most of the banks near GT Road, Taxila are situated between Hassan Colony and Taxila Bus Stop near Sarai Khoka and they include:

• Allied Bank Limited
• Askari Bank Limited
• Bank Alfalah
• Meezan Bank Limited
• Bank Al Habib

Clinics and Hospitals near GT Road, Taxila

Healthcare facilities in the neighbourhood help you deal with medical emergencies without unnecessary delays. That being said, GT Road, Taxila, has a few clinics nearby, some of which are listed below:

• Noori Clinic, Street 10, Wahdat Colony
• Hafeez Health Clinic, Street Number 14, Kohsar Colony
• Al-Shifa Herbal Clinic & Research Institute, Thatha Khalil Road, Sarai Khola, Taxila
• Iram Medicos & Clinic, Taxila Road, Saraye Kala Chowk, Taxila
• Dr. Ibrar Hospital, Gulberg Colony, Gulberg Colony, Nawababad, Jamilabad, Wah Cantt

There are a few hospitals located near GT Road, Taxila, as well. For example, Ali Family Hospital is situated in Kohsar Colony. Al-Abbas Hospital is located close to Jamilabad. While Doctorz Hospital and Rawal Surgical Hospital, Wah Cantt can be found near Nawababad and Wah Cantt respectively. 

Wah International Hospital is pretty close to Sarai Khola and Hassan Colony near GT Road, Taxila. It features 24/7 emergency service and is deemed among the best available in Taxila Tehsil. Some other facilities provided by this healthcare institution are as following:

• Physiotherapy
• Laboratory
• X-Ray
• Ultrasound
• Out Patient Clinics
• Labour Room
• Operation Theatre

PROPERTIES NEAR GT ROAD, TAXILA

Sales Price Trends near GT Road, Taxila

Buying any type of property requires extensive research about not just the features of the neighbourhood but also its price trends. The following details will help you come up with an informed decision if you’re mulling investing in property near GT Road, Taxila.

Houses for Sale near GT Road, Taxila

As per the latest trends, a few houses between 5 to 12 marla are available for sale. Most of the residential societies lining the southern stretch of GT Road are developing. The asking price of a 5 marla house near GT Road, Taxila, can start from PKR 29 lakh, depending on various factors. The cost of corner plot houses for sale on GT Road, Taxila is usually higher. Bigger houses, like a 10 marla unit, can cost at least a crore. If it’s a furnished unit, it can cost upwards of a crore. 

Plots for Sale near GT Road, Taxila

A few 5 marla plots near GT Road, Taxila are also up for sale at reasonable prices. The starting price of these plots is around PKR 20 Lakh. Some other options for you in this regard include 8, 10 and 14 marla plots, which can cost you anywhere between PKR 35 lakh to PKR 55 lakh.

Rent  Price Trends near GT Road, Taxila

At the moment, there is just one house available for rent. However, in the future, as the area develops, more properties for rent will likely be up for grabs. More information related to any new development taking place in this regard will be updated here.

Commercial Properties near GT Road, Taxila

You can find 20 marla commercial properties available for sale near GT Road, Taxila. Since it’s a lucrative commercial area, and the size of the property seems ideal for a shopping mall or plaza, prices are understandably high. A 20 marla commercial property for sale near GT Road, Taxila, can cost you anywhere between PKR 12 crore to PKR 14 crore.

LIFESTYLE

SHOPPING, RESTAURANTS, AND BAKERIES

Malls near GT Road, Taxila

Malls are increasingly becoming a source of leisure for shoppers in Pakistan. It is largely due to the fact that these establishments provide an extensive range of options for visitors not just in terms of shopping but also dining and entertainment. Most malls now comprise a separate play area for children. Since Taxila is being developed along the lines of its more well established neighbours, Rawalpindi and Islamabad, there aren’t any major malls in the city yet. While you might not be able to find large malls near GT Road Taxila, you will come across a few shopping centres:

• Fort Shopping Centre, near Taxila Road, Saraye Kala Chowk
• Shahmir Shopping Centre, near HMC Road
• Nasir Shopping Centre near HMC Road 

All the aforementioned shopping centres are a 10 to 12-minute drive away from Sarai Khola. The fastest route is through HMC Road. Shahmir Shopping Center in particular is considered as a more versatile facility as most of the basic household items can easily be bought from here. Prices are affordable as well. Nasir Shopping Centre is a good place to buy garments.

Restaurants and Bakeries near GT Road, Taxila

Restaurants in the vicinity give you an opportunity to taste different types of foods without having to travel long distances. If you’re looking for restaurants near GT Road, Taxila, your best bet is Jamilabad. Those who live in or near Hassan Colony can also easily reach some of these restaurants.

• Malangi Hotel II, Opp. Taxila Court, Faisal Shaheed Road
• Khyber Shinwari Tikka House, GT Road, Taxila
• Valley Foods, Gulistan Colony
• Landi Kotal Shinwari, Service Road, Wah
• Fazal Khyber Shinwari Tikka, Taxila, Peshawar-Rawalpindi Road, Taxila
• Bismillah Restaurant, GT Road, Jamilabad, Nawababad

Khyber Shinwari Tikka House is well-renowned for preparing Peshawari-Style karhai and tikka in addition to Rosh and Qabli Pulao. It is a roadside eatery with lots of delicious cuisines to savour. The restaurant remains accessible 24/7. Mutton and lamb karhai and tikka are available in Fazal Khyber Shinwari Tikka Restaurant. Featuring ample space for car parking, the restaurant is known to have a nice, traditional ambiance. It’s ideal for a get-together with friends.

Bakeries near GT Road, Taxila

A good number of bakeries can be found near GT Road, Taxila, especially close to Sarai Khola, Jamilabad, Nawababad and Wah Cantt areas. However, there is only one confectioner near Sarai Khola. It is known as Patisserie Bakery where you can purchase lots of common bakery items as well as fresh pizzas and even barbeque. It is situated within Royalson Hotel, which is a famous hotel in Taxila.

The bakeries near Nawababad and Jamilabad areas close to GT Road, Taxila, are as following:

• Daffodil Bakers and Sweet, Gulberg Colony, Nawababad
• New Hazara Bakers & Sweets, Wah Cantt
• Rahat Bakers, Nawababad
• Mian G Bakers & Sweets, Nawababad, Wah Cantt
• Broadway Sweets and Bakers GT Road, Nawababad
• Yum Bakers, Grand Trunk Road, Nawababad

 OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, FITNESS AND BEAUTY

Sports Facilities and Fitness Centres near GT Road, Taxila

Playing sports regularly helps boost cognitive functions of the brain. As of now, there are only two sports clubs near GT Road, Taxila. These facilities are located near Jamilabad, Wah Cantt and Nawababad areas. For example, Volleyball Ground and COMSATS Wah Football Ground. The former is situated on Madina Street of Nawababad, while the latter in Wah Cantt. 

The same goes for gyms near GT Road, Taxila. Most of these places are located near Jamilabad and Nawababad. The most well-reviewed ones include:

• Paradise Gym Club, Jamilabad
• OX Gym and Snooker Club, Wah Cantt, Nawababad
• Fitness Den, Al Bahboth Plaza, Barier #2, Main GT Road, Nawababad
• Bhatti Power Gym, Nawababad
• Japan Shin Kyokushin Karate Academy, Nawababd

Fitness Den is known for its quality fitness machinery as well as other equipment required for a wholesome workout experience. It opens at 4 PM. This fitness facility provides the following features:

• Weight Loss Program
• Weight Gain Program
• Aerobics Classes
• Personal Training
• Group Training
• Supplementation
• CrossFit Training

Parks near GT Road, Taxila

As of January 2020, there are not many parks near GT Road, Taxila. The nearest ones are Gulistan Colony Family Park and Gulshan-e-Anwar Family Park in Wah. Gulshan-e-Anwar Family Park is a small park, but it is well maintained and ideal for families and kids. Since it’s a popular spot, it gets pretty crowded during the weekend.

Salons and Spas near GT Road, Taxila

If you’re looking for beauty salons near GT Road, Taxila, you’ll have to move towards the stretch leading to Jamilabad, Nawababad and New City in Wah Cantt. You can consider the following options, especially if you’re looking for bridal services:

• Maryam Beauty Salon, Gulberg Colony Road, Nawababad, Jamilabad
• Manahil’s Beauty Salon, Ismail Abad Road, Wah Cantt
• Midhat Beauty Parlour, Service Station Street, Nawababad
• Royal Beauty Salon & Studio, New City Wah Cantt

A few hair dressers can also be located near GT Road, Taxila, but they are close to Sarai Khola, Jamilabad and Nawababad. Their names are listed right below:

• Maqsood Hair Dresser, Jamil Abad Main Road
• Muree Hair Cutting Salon, Faisal Shaheed Road, Sarai Kala Chowk, Taxila Bazar
• Javid Hair Dresser & Beauty Salon For Men, Punjab Public School Madina Street, Near Nawababad, Wah Cantt.

Cinemas near GT Road, Taxila

As of January 2020, the only cinema near GT Road, Taxila is Cinepax, which is located in Phase 2 of New City, Wah, Attock. It is almost 6 km away from Sarai Khola, GT Road, Taxila. Cinepax is part of a popular cinema chain in Pakistan. However, it’s been under construction for quite some time. 

NEARBY AREAS

GT Road, Taxila, is a key passageway between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It also serves as an entrance point to the main city of Taxila. The famous Timber Market is just a 6-minute drive away from Sarai Khola.Taxila Museum is about 4 km away. A popular hotel in Taxila, known as Royalson Hotel & Restaurant, also lies near GT Road, Taxila. Tourists visiting Taxila and Sarai Khola can consider staying at this hotel. 

THINGS TO CONSIDER

The main stretch of GT Road within the city of Taxila is largely developing. Therefore, people willing to move in immediately after buying or building a house will have to wait for facilities like hospitals and shopping malls. That said, the road lies near Wah, which comprises a number of well-established societies. Proximity to these areas will most likely add to the overall worth of properties lining GT Road, Taxila. 

LOCATION

Importance of GT Road, Taxila from Major Locations Nearby

• Taxila Cantonment Junction Railway Station, a 15-minute drive
• Taxila Museum, 14 minutes’ drive away
• Bhir Mound City Walls, almost a 16-minute drive
• HITEC University Taxila Cantt, about 13 minutes’ drive away
• Royalson Hotel & Restaurant is barely a 10-minute drive
• University of Wah is a 10-minute drive from Sarai Khola
• Dharmarajika Stupa and Monastery is a 20-minute drive away