Shalamar Interchange brings relief to Lahore traffic

[Lahore_Real_Estate]

Monday, January 04, 2010
By our correspondent

LAHORE: The first-ever three-tier interchange in the Punjab, the Shalamar Interchange, is undoubtedly a gift for the Lahorites, who had to face massive traffic jams daily in Mughalpura.

These traffic jams subsequently led to traffic mess on various adjacent roads, adding to problems of commuters. However, the Shalamar Interchange, inaugurated on the first day of 2010, will help a lot in reducing the traffic mess.

This interchange is in northeast of Lahore. It comprises a 1.6 kilometre-long flyover, two underpasses, two ground level bridges and 11 km service roads around the site. It is designed to improve the traffic flow in the area where even ambulances were held up in the traffic jams.

This majestic flyover has a 3-lane dual carriageway. It connects the city with Cantonment while on the Canal side, the underpasses convert the Canal Bank Road into a fast moving signal-free corridor.

The flyover is of the latest design and will provide maximum utility for residents. Its sleek pillars and girders radiate openness. As per traffic statistics, almost 100,000 vehicles crossing the interchange will benefit from it, thus, saving an estimated 6,000 hours of travelling time per day. The interchange’s flyover alone will facilitate 45,000 vehicles per day while the underpasses alongside the canal will facilitate over 55,000 vehicles daily.

The Shalamar Interchange, at a cost of Rs 3,340 million, was constructed on the initiative of the Punjab chief minister to uplift the deprived areas. The construction work started on September 2, 2008 and completed in a record period on December 31, 2009.