ISLAMABAD: Punjab Provincial Minister for Excise and Taxation Mian Mujtaba Shuja–ur-Rehman broke ground for the project of widening and improvement of G.T. Road section from Thokar Niaz Baig to Hudiara Drain during a ceremony held Friday at National Highway Authority (NHA) regional office in Lahore.

Chairman NHA, Jawwad Rafique Malik gave a detailed briefing about the project and its importance. He informed that the existing road consists of 4 lanes which are not sufficient to accommodate the ever increasing traffic with the result that it faces frequent traffic jams causing immense inconvenience to the travelers. More than 63,000 vehicles pass this section daily, said a press release.

He said the road will be widened to 8 lanes to ensure the smooth traffic flow. The project also includes construction of pedestrian bridges, bus bays and U-turns to facilitate the traffic. It will greatly facilitate the traffic moving from Lahore to Southern Punjab. The project will cost around Rs10 Billion and will be completed in less than a year time. It will benefit around 350,000 persons who daily commute on this road.

He informed the gathering that NHA was successfully executing government’s vision to establish a wide network of highways and motorways stretching from Khunjrab to Gwadar Port including the all important China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He said within next two years the country’s motorway network will increase four times to around 2400 km. The improved road network will reduce distances, save travel time and minimize accidents. The easy and quick traveling will tremendously boost trade and economic activities. He said all the provinces will be benefited by this unprecedented road development activity.

The chief guest, during his address, appreciated the NHAs role in the development of the country. He said the project will immensely help the people of Lahore and adjoining areas by ensuring the free flow of traffic between the provincial capital and South Punjab.—PR