GUJAR KHAN: The railway underpass in Gujar Khan city has turned into a pond and passage of traffic remains suspended. The local authorities have learnt that the project was yet to be handed over to the municipal administration by the contractor even after the passage of over 10 years.

The railway underpass was constructed about 12 years ago through efforts of then federal minister Raja Pervez Ashraf.

The residents of the eastern towns and villages had to remain stranded for hours before the closed railway crossing in vicinity of the railway station Gujar Khan.

At that time, the executing agency had also installed a water pump to avert accumulation of rainwater. After completion of the project, however, commuters faced accumulation of rainwater.

Newly-posted assistant commissioner Khizar Goraiya when inquired from the municipal authorities, it transpired that the mega project could never be handed over to the local administration for smooth operation and it was still at the disposal of Pak-PWD.

The assistant commissioner in a letter to the executive engineer PWD Islamabad sought immediate action “to address the issue by arranging mechanism for the removal of the sewage and implementing a permanent solution to prevent future occurrences. This may include improving the drainage system, regular maintenance and ensuring that the extraction of sewerage system is functioning correctly.”

The AC highlighted the risks of accidents, hazards to public health and traffic jams in the city due to failure in proper maintenance of the project.

The residents have also demanded that the authorities should ensure proper handing over of the project to the civic agency to keep it operational.

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2024