| Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday (September 24) laid the foundation stone of PKR 11.3 billion ‘Controlled Access Project Babu Sabu-Niazi Chowk/Interchange (Bund Road) Project’, according to news sources. It was announced that the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) would launch civil work on the project on Monday (September 25).
Read: LDA extends tender opening date of Babu Sabu Interchange project
The forthcoming project aims to significantly transform the traffic dynamics within the local vicinity. It is set to impose restrictions on the movement of local traffic, encompassing motorcycles, bicycles, cars, and rickshaws, along the corridor. The strategy entails providing a dedicated two-lane expressway on each side, supplemented by the provision of subways. These subways will facilitate access to Babu Sabu, Niazi Chowk, or adjacent localities, offering an alternative to using the Bund Road, which currently forms part of the ring road.
Currently, there are no adequately designed passages or subways on both sides of the road that the residents of the nearby localities can utilize for their mobility. LDA Chief Engineer Asrar Saeed explained this issue, highlighting the need for a solution. The project comprises two distinct packages.
Read: CM gives nod to underpass from Babu Sabu to Ring Road Gulshan-e-Ravi
Under Package-I, which spans 3.65 kilometres, the existing Bund Road will undergo elevation by 13 feet, stretching from Niaz Interchange to Saggian. This elevated segment will constitute a four-lane dual carriageway, featuring two lanes on each side, complete with four vehicular and pedestrian subways. Additionally, Package I will include two-lane service lanes on both sides, exclusively reserved for individuals intending to access nearby localities from various starting points. However, access to the primary corridor will be restricted for cyclists, donkey carts, motorcycles, rickshaws, and similar vehicles. The estimated cost of Package-I stands at PKR 5.2 billion.
Meanwhile, Package II of the project, valued at PKR 6.1 billion, will encompass the construction of five subways. Apart from this distinction, the specifications remain identical to those of Package I.
The envisioned outcome of this project is to facilitate the movement of approximately 130,000 vehicles along a seamless 7.3-kilometre four-lane corridor. Moreover, it is expected to yield significant environmental benefits by curbing pollution, saving time, conserving energy, and reducing fuel costs.
During the foundation stone-laying ceremony, the CM underscored the urgency of completing the project within four months, emphasizing its pivotal role in the Lahore traffic network. He envisaged the Bund Road Access Project as a key component in the completion of Lahore’s traffic circle. The CM further expressed his aspiration to expedite the project, aiming for completion before December, thereby enabling swift access from any part of Lahore to the motorway. |
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