Rs 1,600m approved for Azadi Chowk shifting

[Salman]

Rs 1,600m approved for Azadi Chowk shifting

LAHORE: The Punjab government has given the go-ahead to the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to initiate a project of shifting the Azadi Chowk Crossing and construction of a four-lane dual carriageway from the existing junction to Masti Gate to ease the traffic flow.

Under the project, named Alternate Route to Outer Circular Road from Azadi Chowk to Masti Gate, the LDA will shift the existing crossing 500 metres back from the Lady Willigdon Hospital Chowk toward the shrine of Baba Chatri wala. After shifting the crossing from the existing point, a four-lane two kilometre long dual carriageway would be constructed from Ahmad Ali Road toward Lorry Adda and Masti Gate.

The Planning and Development Working Party (PDWP) of the Punjab Planning and Development Department has approved the project design prepared by National Engineering Services of Pakistan (NESPAK).

The project, after completion, would not only provide signal free crossing to the Metro Bus but also ease the flow of intercity and intracity traffic.

LDA Chief Engineer Asrar Saeed told APP that LDA would start construction within the next couple of weeks and the project would be completed in six months. He added that funds had been released for the required land, which would be acquired from private owners including Ravi Charga. He said an operation against encroachments and illegal constructions would be launched to vacate government land from grabbers.