LAHORE, July 2: The LDA governing body on Tuesday approved the revised project for the construction of a three-lane dual carriageway from LOS (Ferozepur Road) to Multan Road worth Rs1.98 billion.

Under the project, the Cantonment Drain, passing through this congested area will be covered and made part of the existing road forming a three-lane dual carriageway. This road will then cater to a traffic load of over 50,000 vehicles per day. The project will enhance the capacity of the existing drain in such a manner that two conduits will be constructed, one for sewerage and the other for storm water.

The decision was taken in the governing body meeting that was presided over by DCO/Chairman LDA Nasim Sadiq.

The meeting was attended by LDA DG Ahad Khan Cheema, Chief Engineer Asrar Saeed Khan and representatives of the provincial local government, housing, P&D and finance departments besides administrators of nine towns.

The scheme had been initially approved worth Rs630.50 million, which included improvement of existing road and construction of missing links between Multan Road and Poonch Road Bridge, Chaudhry Colony and Ferozepur Road. The bridges at the junctions were to be widened along with road safety devices. Keeping in view the traffic pressure, the authority decided to revise this project in the larger public interest.

The authority also decided to entrust the task for selection of consultant and undertaking the feasibility study for Ravi Zone River Front Development to Urban Unit, Punjab. It also decided to reduce the minimum qualification for the initial recruitment of assistant director (legal) from five years to two years practice as an advocate to attract the talented and energetic candidates.