THE repair and expansion work on Trimmu Barrage on the Chenab river near Jhang was started in 2015 but is nowhere near completion to date. The barrage was closed to heavy traffic when the expansion work was started.

Since the closure, the Lahore-Bhakkar-Dera Ismail Khan bound commuters/buses make a long detour via Jhang -Shorkot- Chowk Azam and reach Bhakkar and DI Khan in 10 to 12 hours against the original time of eight hours via Trimmu Barrage. The journey between Lahore and DI Khan has become extremely stressful, particularly for women, children and senior citizens.

The authorities concerned are requested to look into the early completion of the project.

Engr M. Yunus Awan
Dera Ismail Khan

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2018