| Lahore: The Punjab government has decided to revive the land acquisition process for the Gulberg-Babu Sabu elevated expressway project in Lahore, a news source reported on June 11.
Read: Gulberg Elevated Expressway to be funded by ADB: LDA
As per the details, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has been instructed to expedite the completion of this major urban infrastructure initiative. The process was halted in 2017 due to several reasons. The project’s cost has significantly increased from PKR 18 billion to PKR 85 billion.
An LDA officer (whose name was not disclosed) stated that the authority has begun reaching out to affected individuals whose land, mostly comprising houses, was identified, and listed for acquisition in 2016 under the Land Acquisition Act. These individuals are being requested to visit the LDA offices or the relevant revenue department officers to receive their compensation as determined in 2016.
Read: Gulberg Elevated Expressway made part of Lahore Master plan 2050
The revival of land acquisition process for Lahore elevated expressway, involving 801 kanals of land, was initiated in 2016, and the final award under the land acquisition act was announced in 2017. While some received compensation, most of them rejected it, and those who did receive compensation have yet to hand over possession of their land to the government.
In early 2022, the government began reconsidering the Gulberg-Babu Sabu Expressway project. The work came to a halt when the government was dissolved. Currently, the revised project cost estimate of PKR 85 billion is under discussion in the Punjab Planning & Development Department. The government has also written to the Election Commission of Pakistan to seek permission for launching this project.
Reportedly, the LDA is now tasked with completing the land acquisition process, and affected individuals are being urged to receive compensation and hand over possession of their land to the government. Those who have already received compensation but have not surrendered possession of their properties have been instructed to vacate the premises within a specific period.
Read: Gulberg Elevated Expressway: Traffic plan prepared, work to start next month
Lahore Commissioner and LDA Director General, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, held a meeting to address this matter and directed relevant officers to expedite the process. He emphasized the need for a streamlined process at the LDA, providing a one-window counter to facilitate individuals in receiving compensation for the land they are relinquishing to the government. The project is considered a significant development for Lahore, with the potential to be a game-changer for the city. |
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