GUJRAT: The Communication and Works Department has started rebuilding the dilapidated Rehman Shaheed Road, the main entrance to the city, on the direction of Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman.

Around 1.4km long road right from Servis Morr along old GT Road to Shadman Colony has been closed to traffic for almost a year.

The traffic was suspended due to the digging for laying pipelines of a major sewerage scheme linking Shadman Colony and adjoining areas to Rehmania storm water channel along old GT road in the outskirts of the city.

Though the sewerage scheme became functional around two months ago, the road was not restored. During rainy season, the it becomes a no-go area even for pedestrians and motorcyclists.

The chief secretary in his recent visit to Gujrat on August 12 last was briefed by Gujrat Deputy Commissioner Noor ul Ain Qureshi on the condition of road and why it was important for the local public.

Official sources said the estimated cost of 1.4 kms portion of Rehman Shaheed road is around Rs 350 million.

The people of the entire district have been suffering a lot due to the closure of this road that leads to the district courts, district administration, district police office, Hafiz Hayat Campus of University of Gujrat, Swedish College as well as the Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Teaching Hospital.

Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2025