| Lahore: The launch of construction work at DHA-Lahore’s signal-free corridor (connecting Firdous Market underpass with DHA Main Boulevard) and Bedian Road underpass near DHA Phase 5 roundabout is expected soon, according to a news story published in leading newspapers on March 19. The news source has confirmed that the work for legal procedures related to cost estimation, approval bidding, and award of the project has been initiated.
Read: CM approves signal-free corridor from Center Point to Defence in Lahore
As per the details, the signal-free corridor will start from Firdous Market Underpass (Gulberg), pass through the Cavalry intersection and Ghora Chowk in Cantt and be linked with the DHA Main Boulevard at Defence Mor. Under this project, a four-lane underpass at Cavalry Chowk and a four-land flyover at Ghora Chowk will be constructed. The project also includes remodeling of the Defence Mor intersection.
The underpass at Bedian Road near DHA Phase-5 roundabout will be a four-lane wide dual carriageway; it will also feature protected U-turns. Commissioner Lahore Muhammad Ali Randhawa, who is also Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Director General, said that once completed, these projects will benefit a large number of citizens by smoothening traffic flow, improving environment, reducing travel time and saving fuel cost. He shared these views while visiting the project sites.
Randhawa directed the officials to expedite the work related to approvals and bidding so work could be launched on these projects. According to the PC-1 of the signal-free corridor, the cost approved by the government was PKR 3.2 billion; this has now been increased to PKR 4.2 billion. The estimated cost of Bedian Road underpass project has now escalated to PKR 2.8 billion.
Read: EPA invites public hearing on MB Gulberg to Defence Mor signal-free corridor
Bedian Road underpass will take six months to complete while the signal-free corridor will be completed in eight months. The news source also revealed that the traffic management plan to be followed during the construction period has already been finalised. As per the proposed plan, Masood Anwari Road will remain open for traffic by a two-lane service road on both sides, while the traffic coming from Cantt, Shami Road will be diverted to Khursheed Alam Road towards Ghora Chowk and onwards. Traffic at Khalif Butt Chowk and Ghora Chowek will be managed by utilizing the existing spaces.
It is important to note that both projects are approved by the government, but weren’t executed due to the non-availability of funds. |
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