GUJRAT: The Federal government departments have been tasked to shift utility services along the route of Signal-Free Corridor on GT Road in Gujranwala city.

The project of remodeling of the old GT road to convert it into a signal-free corridor has recently been launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for the smooth flow of traffic.

A meeting to review the so far progress on the execution of the project was held with Gujranwala Commissioner Naveed Haider Sheerazi in the chair whereas Gujranwala Deputy Commissioner Naveed Ahmed, ruling PML-N lawmakers and officials of various federal and provincial governments were also among the participants of meeting on Monday.

The 13kms long Old GT Road right from Aziz Cross flyover at Pindi Bypass to Chan Da Qila is being converted into a signal-free corridor at the cost of Rs 5billion, an official of the district administration told Dawn.

He said the widening and re-carpeting of road, reduction in the number of U-turns, developing greenbelt on both sides of the road and other measures for the city beautification had been part of the project plan.

However, he said, in case of possible launch of echo-friendly rapid bus transport service or a metro bus system for Gujranwala, the corridor project might face some changes.

At the same time, he said, the federal departments had been told by the authorities of local administration to take practical steps for the shifting of their services such as electric poles, gas pipelines and other such things before the start of construction work which should not be disturbed.

It is learnt that the number of U-turns along the GT Road may be reduced to nine, with six between flyover to Chan Da Qila and three between city flyover to Pindi bypass flyover. Official sources said the secretary communication and works department was also due in Gujranwala in the current week to review the project as well as possibilities for any change in the design in the wake of Punjab government’s plan to launch the bus service in the city.

Published in Dawn, December 31st, 2024