LAHORE: With a view to ensuring smooth traffic in congested areas of the provincial metropolis, a joint team led by Lahore Commissioner Zulfiqar Ghumman visited Data Darbar area, Bhatti Chowk, Circular Road, Shimla Hill, Ghari Shahu and Allama Iqbal Road and reviewed requirements for remodeling of roads, traffic management, building of parking plazas and removal of encroachments.

They also reviewed various plans for traffic management at Bhati Chowk and Circular Road including stopping entry of traffic on road in front of Karbla Gamay Shah and reserving it for use by pedestrians only, using the road from Bhati Gate to Lower Mall as a dual carriageway, underground shifting of services in the locality and other proposals for easing of vehicular movement in this area.

While visiting Shimla Hill, the team looked into the proposal of connecting Empress Road with Davies Road by using the existing stretch as a three-lane dual carriageway instead of one way in view of frequent traffic congestion around Shimla Hill as a result of protest demonstrations. The redesigning of the square will reduce traffic congestion around the press club. The officials also visited road from Queen Mary College to Garhi Shahu Road to improve traffic flow.

“More than 275 vehicles can be parked in the basement parking of Data Darbar Complex which had been closed for 10 years. And the work has been started for making this facility operational,” said the commissioner while talking to the media on the occasion. He said the traffic management around press club (Shimla Pahari) as per TEPA plan was essential.

Meanwhile, the LDA’s Planning and Design Committee has allowed starting another 16 new business ventures three weeks after it had given a go-ahead for launching 48 new businesses in Lahore division. The businesses [allowed] included establishment of 12 petrol pumps and four oil storage sites within the limits of Lahore division. The move will promote business activity and generate employment opportunities.

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2020