Govt takes up uplift of city’s ‘neglected’ entry, exit points

–LDA, TEPA prepare initial designs for points’ development, landscaping

–Plans to be executed after final approval from chief minister

LAHORE: With the neglected entry and exit points of the provincial capital finally catching the attention of the government, the authorities concerned have decided to take up the points’ uplift and development while also working on their beautification, Pakistan Today has learnt.

In this regard, initial designs have also been prepared by the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) and Traffic Engineering and Planning Agency (TEPA).

According to sources, the proposals and designs of three entrance and exit points, which include Babu Sabu, Sagian and Thokar Niaz Baig, have been prepared and will be implemented after an approval from Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar.

“The gateways of the entrances have been proposed in accordance with the heritage architecture of Lahore and are said to be similar to Chauburji as well as other monuments with domes and arches,” they said, adding that the expansion and strengthening of road and traffic management plan will also be included in the project

A frequent traveler, Fareed Ahmed, while speaking to Pakistan Today said, “The entrances and exits of the city are in a poor state for as long as I can remember and the government needs to pay attention to this matter as with the increase in traffic, it takes hours to cross any toll plazas, especially on weekends.”

He further said that the Ravi Bridge also needed to be strengthened as it was in quite a poor condition and one could feel it shaking due to the load of traffic.

Another traveler, Malik Afnan Saeed, was of the view that there was no traffic management on the entry and exit points of Lahore.

“I frequently travel to and from Gujranwala for work and get stuck while crossing these spots almost every time. I think that the roads should be broadened keeping in view the increase in the number of vehicles while trucks, loaders and other heavy vehicles should not be allowed to enter or exit the city during peak hours,” he said.

The head of a tourism company, Nabeel Khan, while commenting on the matter said that it, at times, was embarrassing when foreigners accompanying him got stuck on entrance and exit points. “Such routes are the image builders of the city and sadly no one has ever thought of improving these.”

He also urged the authorities concerned to control the beggar mafia that has “taken over” the city’s entrances and exits.

Speaking of the proposal, LDA Chief Engineer Mehar Mazhar told Pakistan Today that the authority has prepared the designs and after completing other necessary documents, they would be presenting them before the chief minister for a final approval. “We will then execute the approved plan,” he said.