ISLAMABAD: In view of high volume of traffic on the Murree expressway, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif directed the Punjab government on Tuesday to explore the idea of construction of an alternative expressway from Islamabad to Murree and Patriata via Kotli Sattian At a meeting held to review development projects of Murree, he instructed the authorities concerned to prepare a proposal and a work plan for the road.

He issued directives to launch a chair lift service from Kotli Sattian to Patriata and approved a proposal to start work on the feasibility of a similar service between Bastal Morr and Pindi Point.

Mr Sharif said the cable car projects should not affecting privacy of houses along their routes.

He approved the plan for a bulk water supply scheme for Murree at a cost of Rs7 billion. According to the plan, water will be supplied to Murree from Jhelum river through a 30km pipeline to be laid in 18 months after the contract is awarded.

Also read: In Murree, not everyone is equal before law

The prime minister was briefed about preparatory work undertaken on different projects in the light of decisions taken at a meeting in Murree in July.

He approved a plan for the construction of a hospital near general bus stand in Murree and said that the hospital must be equipped with modern facilities.

He directed the authorities concerned to convert Samli Sanatorium into a major medical centre and establish a medical college on its premises.

The meeting was briefed about the rain water harvesting system installed in Murree with the cooperation of its residents, and its extension.

It approved a plan for development and up-gradation of the Brazilian embassy building as a tourist attraction.

Published in Dawn, September 2nd, 2015

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