MUHAMMAD SOHAIL JANJUA
In his efforts for transforming Lahore into a modern mega-polis through construction of Pakistan’s first ever Lahore Metro Bus Project as well as a number of underpasses and flyovers in the city, Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has led the people of Lahore to another milestone on the road to progress by gifting them the state-of-the-art signal free interchange at Azadi Chowk Lahore.
The ideal location of the project is a link between the past and the future. The monuments standing nearby this venue remind us the magnificent Muslim rule in the subcontinent and historic resolve of the Muslims of India, leading to the struggle for an independent homeland for them in this part of the world. The marvelous structures of Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque were constructed by great Mughal emperors. The architectural beauty of historic Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort and Minar-e-Pakistan has now been augmented by the modern day infrastructure leading to progress and prosperity of the people on the directives of Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, the Chief Minister of the Punjab.
On the directions of CM Shahbaz Sharif and under the dynamic supervision of its Director General Ahad Khan Cheema, Lahore Development Authority completed construction of clubbed projects of Azadi Chowk Signal Free Junction and new Circular Road Projects in a record time of 165 days at a total cost of Rs 5.35 billion. Ahad Khan Cheema Cheema, already well known for his efficient execution of huge public service projects and acclaimed for his public service endeavours, accepted this challenge as well and led his team to work day and night for timely completion of this project.
Work on the Azadi Chowk Signal Free Junction was started by Traffic Engineering and Transportation Planning Agency (TEPA) LDA on January 15 this year which has been completed at a cost of Rs 4.5 billion on June 29.
A flyover and an elevated roundabout have been constructed under this project at Ravi Road. The roundabout has three up-ramps and three down-ramps; two up-ramps and two down-ramps on Ravi Road, starting from Texali Chowk and ending at Timber Market and vice versa. One up-ramp and a down-ramp have also been constructed on Ahmad Ali Road. The overall length of the interchange is 2.53 kilometer.
Traffic leading to Circular Road from Data Darbar, Shahdara and Timber Market will use this flyover for going to Maulana Ahmed Ali Road, Lorry Adda and other points at Circular Road. On average, over two hundred thousand vehicles will daily pass through this junction, saving fuel of Rs 9 million per annum.
New Circlular Road was also part of this project, which has been completed at a cost of Rs 1.35 billion. Total length of this road is 1.6 kilometer. This dual carriage way is 14.7 meters wide on each side. Each side comprises of four lanes and every lane is 3.3 meter wide. A roundabout and two U-turns were also made on this road. This new road was started from Maulana Ahmed Ali Road and then connects Minar-e-Pakistan, Lorry Adda, Badami Bagh, Masti Gate and Circular Road.
Shahbaz Sharif inaugurated the signal-free Azadi Chowk flyover and alternative route of new Circular Road on Sunday July 13, 2014. Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Shahbaz Sharif said Azadi Chowk Project was completed in a short period of less than six months. He said not only best travelling facilities will be available from it but precious time will be saved. Metro bus will also pass through it without wasting any time. He expressed the confidence that this project will play an important role in the economic development of the people as well as enhancing beauty of Lahore.
Great national monuments including Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort and Minar-e-Pakistan will also be saved from environmental pollution.
Earlier, the CM inaugurated alternative route of Circular Road. He also took round of Circular Road and flyover and appreciated the standard of the project.