LAHORE: The development working party of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) accorded clearance for execution of two development projects in the city at a cost of Rs2.1bn.

The projects include an underpass near Firdous Market, Gulberg, and an entertainment park in Johar Town.

According to an LDA spokesperson, the meeting was informed that in order to avoid frequent traffic jams and vehicular congestion from Centre Point, Gulberg, to Cavalry Ground and for facilitating vehicles going towards MM Alam Road, a two-lane dual carriageway underpass would be constructed near Firdous Market at a cost of Rs 1.8bn. The underpass will be 540 feet long for which special arrangements will be made for drainage of rainwater. No existing structure in the area will be affected as a result of the project for which around seven-kanal land will be acquired.

The meeting was informed that an entertainment park would be set up over 140 kanals in Johar Town, adjacent to Aleem Dar Cricket Academy. The first of its kind park in the city would cost Rs330m. A jogging track, lake, open gym, basketball court, tennis court and facilities for other outdoor games would be made available at the park.

LDA Chief Engineer Habibul Haq Randhawa, project directors Abdur Razzaq Chohan and Iqrar Hussain and representatives of provincial finance as well as Planning and Development Departments besides consultants of the projects attended the meeting.

Published in Dawn, January 28th, 2020