Work on Lahore-Kasur dualisation project resumes after 6 months

LAHORE,May 4 (APP)-Motorists and commuters have hailed resumption of work on the Lahore-Kasur dual carriageway project and demanded its early completion for safe,hassle free travelling on this busy inter-district road. Work on dualisation of the road was initiated some three years back and a portion from Chungi Amersadhu to Kahana was to be completed by June, 2007. However,work on the project could not be completed within the stipulated time with the concerned officials and contractor blaming delay on construction of drain from Nishter colony to Rohi and relocation of electric poles along the road. It may be mentioned that the then Chief Executive of the province Chaudhery Pervaiz Elahi during a surprise visit on July 22 last had taken serious notice of undue delay in the completion of the project and directed expediting the work. Following directive of the CM work was accelerated for few weeks to complete the main road.However,later the work was totally abandoned with a bridge at the Rohi and the median remaining incomplete causing big hazards to motorists. Ashraf, a wagon driver said, “Though main road on both sides has been completed from Chungi to Kahana, yet one has to drive with great care as any vehicle coming from the other road can suddenly come on your lane in the absence of median, ,resulting in fatal accidents. In fact a number of such accidents have occurred in last few months.” He said, “If median is completed vehicles can move on the road safely.” Jamil, a businessman,who has to travel from Kahana to Kanchi area on daily basis in his car said,”Non-completion of the project is not only causing difficulties for motorists but also causing pollution as vehicles, frequently going from one side of the road to the other, raise dust lying between the two sides of the road. Similarly,non-completion of bridge at Rohi is also causing problems as the old bridge is not only in extremely a dilapidated condition but too small to cater to increased traffic on the road. A number of other motorists and commuters talking to this scribe also expressed concern over non-completion of the project demanding its immediate completion to ensure smooth and fast flow of traffic on this important artery. They said work has resumed almost after six months, but the pace is very slow.