LAHORE Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that Ferozepur Road, one of the busiest arteries in the provincial metropolis, will be converted into a model road and for this a major project has been initiated. He said that in addition to construction of footpaths, modern bus shelters and pedestrian bridges and trees should be planted on both sides of Ferozepur Road for its beautification and provision of a better atmosphere to the citizens. He said that efficiency of the officials deputed to develop this road would be monitored through satellite system. He directed that encroachments should be removed from Ferozepur Road and the policy regarding road cuts should be strictly implemented without succumbing to any pressure. He said that in order to rid the people of parking problems, 12 parking plazas should be constructed and a report be submitted to him after identifying suitable spots for this purpose. The Chief Minister said this while addressing a high level meeting regarding improvement of Ferozepur Road, here Monday. Advisor Jehanzeb Burki, Secretary Communications, Commissioner and District Coordination Officer Lahore, Directors General LDA and PHA, Managing Director WASA, DIG Traffic, Chief Engineer TEPA as well as senior officers of the departments concerned were present in the meeting. The Chief Minister said that government is spending huge resources on the provision of basic amenities and a better atmosphere to the masses and special attention is being paid to provide modern communication facilities to the citizens. He said that a network of roads, underpasses and bridges is being laid in the province and timely and quality completion of development projects is being ensured. He said that corruption free culture is being promoted in the province and the high standard of development projects set 10 years ago is being maintained. He said that Shalimar and Sagian Interchanges, Ring Road Package-6 & 7, Shaukat Ali Road and Madr-e-Millat Road are a proof of this fact. He further said that the project for the improvement of 17km long portion of Ferozepur Road from Qurtaba Road to Chungi Amar Sadhu is being implemented expeditiously and 14 different departments are engaged in the project round-the-clock. He said that traffic management, lane marking, service roads, footpaths, bus shelters equipped with necessary facilities, tree plantation and landscaping besides other requirements would be fulfilled. This model will be replicated for the improvement of other important roads of the city. He said the horticulture is being promoted in development projects. He directed that maximum shady trees should be planted on the roads. He said that additional resources are of vital importance for public welfare projects and District Coordination Officer should submit a comprehensive plan in this regard. He said that a report should also be submitted to him regarding meter parking on Ferozepur Road on the pattern of Mall Road and Gulberg. He said that people are facing serious parking problems at markets and shopping plazas, therefore, the number of the proposed parking plazas should be increased to 12 including two parking plazas in the Walled City. He said that a better transport system should be arranged at Ferozepur Road for the convenience of the people and satellite system should be used for monitoring the performance of officials of different departments deputed on the road. He said that he would personally inspect the project of the improvement of Ferozepur Road at the end of this month. The Chief Minister further said that besides completion of Park & Ride project in Gulberg, the concerned departments should also provide other necessary facilities including shuttle bus service and a comprehensive plan should be evolved to provide information to general public regarding its timing and other matters. He said that Kalma Chowk improvement project should be started at the earliest and measures should also be taken on emergent basis for the improvement of drainage system near General Hospital. He said that close and effective coordination between 14 different provincial departments for the improvement of Ferozepur Road is a good example of team work. He appreciated the keen interest taken by prominent journalist Iftikhar Ahmad, Commissioner and DCO Lahore, DG LDA and other officers for the uplift of Ferozepur Road. He also lauded the efforts of DG PHA for making Lahore a City of greenery and flowers. Earlier, Commissioner Lahore while giving a briefing regarding Ferozepur Road informed that the project of remodeling of this road had been pending for many years but now an effective strategy has been adopted for its improvement and civil society has also been consulted in this regard. He said that service roads are being restored to their original shape on Ferozepur Road and footpaths are also being improved. He said that special attention has been paid to traffic management on this highway which has yielded positive results. Director General PHA apprised the meeting of the steps taken for the beautification of the road.