LAHORE: Due to development work on the Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT) project, authorities have decided to close the Mall Road for a minimum of three months to complete cut and cover section of the metro train.
The Lahore Electricity Supply Company (LESCO), Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) have also started work to relocate underground pipelines and cabling infrastructure. Heavy machinery has already reached the site and once utilities were relocated, the company will start construction of three-storey underground Central Station through cut and cover method, stated one OMLT package-1 (from Dera Gujjran to Chaburji) contractor.
As per the alternative traffic plan, traffic coming from Lower Mall will be diverted to Napier Road which will come on the Mall Road after Lahore High Court Chowk. Similarly, traffic coming from Regal Chowk will be diverted to Fane Road from where it will go to Lower Mall.
Responding to a question, the contractor said that underground utilities had been shifted in front of Shalimar Garden and other historical sites on the Grand Trunk Road. The company had already completed most pile works in the areas and the same was the position at Lakshmi Chowk, he added. The company will complete construction of all pillars at all four incomplete sections between Dera Gujjran and Lakshmi Chowk during the next week, he maintained.