Delay in widening of Kashmir Highway causing traffic jams

[Salman]

Delay in widening of Kashmir Highway causing traffic jams

ISLAMABAD: Delay in completion of widening of the Kashmir Highway from Zero Point Interchange to Islamabad Chowk is causing massive traffic jams.
All the traffic coming from Islamabad-Lahore Motorway and Peshawar via GT Road has been diverted to Kashmir Highway due to the construction of Chur Chowk flyover, which caused traffic jams, especially in the evenings, said a motorist, resident of Sector G14.
He said the motorists were facing problems as the Kashmir Highway mostly remained jammed.
Most of the people coming from Taxila, Fateh Jang, Tarnol, Chungi No 26 and several underdeveloped sectors of the capital use this road for reaching their offices.
The people have demanded the authorities concerned to speed up the construction work of the highway.
According to details, the project was to be completed by February 2013, but it had been delayed, reportedly due to the scarcity of funds.
The project was started at a cost of Rs 4.8 billion in February 2012 and includes widening of the existing two lanes to five lanes on both sides.
The construction work on the new Islamabad Airport will also be completed next year and that will increase the traffic on this road.
Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Nadeem Hassan Asif has visited the construction sites and directed the engineering wing of the authority to expedite construction work on the highway.
He expressed dissatisfaction over the slow pace of development work on the project and directed member engineering for completion of work within three months.
He also directed member engineering to chalk out a three months’ completion plan for this “very important project” immediately and ensure that the construction work is of high quality and international standard.
Nadeem Hassan Asif directed the officers concerned of engineering wing to ensure proper arrangements of security at depressions located at construction sites of the highway.
He also inspected various phases of the project; especially the sections between Peshawar Morr and Toll Plaza. He directed the formation concerned to use modern construction technology and ensure completion of work with best quality.