Zero Point Interchange : Media enclave, G-7/1 denied direct access

[Lahore_Real_Estate]

ISLAMABAD: The Zero Point Interchange project costing Rs 2.3 billion has closed direct access to its north-west side for traffic moving from Aabpara to Sector G-7/1, housing Media Enclave, government offices and official residences.

Previously, the commuters bound for this location used to take U-turn from the end point of Khayaban-e-Suharawardy, and used to drive into the sector, but since the construction of the slip roads, they have lost this access.

The media offices situated here include Dawn Group, Nawai-e-Waqt Group, Associated Press of Pakistan, Balochistan Times, Press Information Department and Information Services Academy.

Besides, Pakistan Peoples Party Media Secretariat at Musawat Building and Pakistan Manpower Institute are also located in the same area.

After the closure of direct link to the said sector, the commuters have either to take a U-turn from the Fire Brigade Headquarters and move towards Sitara Market, from where they take left toward the sector travelling through dilapidated roads.

The most-sufferers in this situation are the media workers who have to move frequently to and from their offices to perform their professional duties round the clock.

The hampered access to media enclave may also cause a security risk to the VIPs including federal ministers, advisors and other high ranking officials frequently visiting media offices for interviews and talk-shows, as now they have to pass through the narrower roads and the residential areas.

“It is CDA’s responsibility to keep in mind all the access points while designing the project. This multi-billion project is of no use for me as well as others coming to this area,” said a journalist.

The gravity of the situation is that if any one loses the said U-turn, he will find the turning point not before the traffic signal at Sector I-8 intersection.

When questioned, a senior official, closely linked to the under-construction Zero Point Interchange, said the people, moving to this area would have to take the same road they have already adopted.

He said the construction of a U-turn on the slip road is almost impossible as it may choke smooth-running traffic on the road. Besides, the fish belly too cannot be constructed because the facility requires three-lane road.

He was of the view that such a facility to the people of this sector requires major changes in the project design and may also create unforeseen troubles to the traffic.

However, he said the CDA may give a second thought to the situation and assured that the dilapidated roads of sector G-7/1 will be renovated to mitigate the sufferings of the commuters. app