KARACHI, June 10: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan has stressed the need for construction of an alternative road to Sharea Faisal on priority basis to facilitate uninterrupted traffic movement to city’s major medical centres of Jinnah Hospital, NICVD, NICH etc and to smoothen traffic on Sharea Faisal itself.

Chief Secretary Fazlur Rehman and Principal Secretary Brig Akhtar Zamin briefed the governor about the details of work done so far.

During a previous visit in connection with the revival of Karachi Circular Railway, the governor had issued directives to concerned authorities regarding construction of an alternative road.

He had also issued directives to make this project a part of Karachi Mass Transit Cell under a phased programme. In this regard, a decision was taken for expansion of Expressway on the right side of Malir river protective embankment.

The Mass Transit Cell of the City Government has worked out terms of reference for this project.

The Chief Secretary informed that work for carrying out consultancy through pre-qualified firms for this project has started.

He said after compilation of consultant’s report, the same would be submitted to departmental development working party and Provincial Development Working Party for an approval.

He stated that after the formalities are fulfilled, work on the project would start under the Project Directorate of Taameer- i-Karachi Programme and thereafter the work will hopefully be completed in two years.

The proposed project would be 13-Km long having inter-changes at Baloch Colony, Shah Faisal Colony No 5, Shah Faisal Colony and Malir River bridge.

After completion of the project, the throroughfare will connect Shah Faisal Colony and its adjoining areas with city centre and southern part of the city.

It would also help reduce traffic volume on Sharea Faisal by 20 per cent besides reducing distance, travel time and fuel cost.

Much of the proposed throughfare’s land would run parallel to protective embankment.

Dr Ibad directed that work on project for widening of road to JPMC should also be geared up. He directed that during construction of roads, facilities should also be provided for sewerage disposal and padestrians and cycle riding people.—APP