ISLAMABAD - The executive board of the National Highways Authority has approved PC-1 for the construction of 18 kilometre long 4-lane bypass for Dera Ghazi Khan City at a cost of Rs4.24 billion.
The decision was taken during the meeting at the NHA head office with Chairman Shahid Ashraf Tarar in the chair, said a press release issued by the NHA on Monday. The meeting was informed that construction of the bypass was imperative keeping in view the ever-increasing traffic flow coming from Karachi Port on the Indus Highway (N-55) and passing through DG Khan. The city, situated at the junction of the Indus Highway and the National Highway (N-70), is the central point of four provinces with traffic coming from all sides.
Similarly, stone-crushing plants built along the National Highway and the DG Khan Cement Factory generates flow of heavy traffic for the supply of crushed stone, sand and cement to southern Punjab and other parts of the country. This results in frequent blockade of heavy traffic on N-75 that passes through the heart of the city, much to the inconvenience of both the commuters and the city residents.
According to the NHA, the proposed bypass will solve the traffic congestion issue and ensure uninterrupted traffic movement besides reducing the travel time and accidents. The provision of better road facility for the inhabitants of the area will surely lead to more employment opportunities and better living standards.
The meeting was informed that 60 metre wide right-of-way will be acquired for the construction of the bypass.
Four major bridges at Vador Nullah, Katchi Canal, DG Khan Canal and Manka Canal, as well as a flyover at DG Khan-Kashmore railway crossing are also part of the project with a completion timeframe of 18 months.