ISLAMABAD: The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved five road projects worth billions of rupees to facilitate free movement across the country.
Transport and communications sector plays a significant role in the socioeconomic development of the country. An efficient transport system with a modern infrastructure is considered an economic factor of production.
In the recent CDWP meeting held at Planning Commission and chaired by Deputy Chairman Sartaj Aziz, five road projects were approved, including one position paper.
The projects include construction of a four-lane bridge across Indus River linking Layyah with Taunsa, including two-lane approach roads and training works worth Rs10.5 billion.
The proposed design of the bridge and river training works with allied facilities are based on a hydraulic model study carried out in May 2017 at IRI Lahore.
At present, the nearest link between Layyah and Taunsa is through DI Khan-Darya Khan bridge located 88km upstream, and Taunsa Barrage located 52km downstream of the proposed bridge. Owing to the non-existence of the direct link between Layyah and Taunsa, commuters have to travel 100km in two hours.
After construction of the proposed bridge, the distance between the two cities will be reduced to approximately 50km, requiring only 45 minutes.
In addition, CDWP approved the construction of Kot Pindi Das interchange on M-2 in district Sheikhupura with a cost of Rs595.629 million. The project envisages construction of an interchange on existing flyover of M-2 located at 32km from Lahore towards Islamabad side to facilitate traffic movements on motorway M-2.
Another transport and communication sector project approved was the construction of Farooqabad interchange on motorway M-2 in district Sheikhupura with a cost of Rs861.38 million.
The proposed interchange will facilitate traffic movement to and from Lahore-Islamabad motorway to Farooqabad road by providing loop and ramp arrangements, which will ultimately save the travel time and reduce fuel consumption.
The project of dualisation of Sialkot-Pasrur Road (26.5km) got approved with a cost of Rs2.99 billion by CDWP. The project envisages construction of new two-lane additional carriageway, in addition to the improvement, widening and strengthening of the existing 26.5km Sialkot-Pasrur road. The existing structures/bridges will also be improved as a four-lane facility.
Lastly, CDWP approved a position paper for construction of a four-lane bridge and two-lane approach roads across Indus River, connecting Kallur Lot with DI Khan. The project envisages construction of 1.254km four-lane bridge on Indus River. At least Rs300 million would be required on the completion of the bridge.
