LAHORE, July 18: A sum of Rs3.981 million has been sanctioned to conduct a feasibility study for the Canal Road remodelling to ease traffic pressure.

An official announcement said on Tuesday “realising the current and future traffic problems on the canal route, it has been decided to conduct a feasibility study for remodelling the road from Dharampura underpass to Thoker Niaz Baig to release traffic blockade on permanent basis which is posing a serious environmental threat.”

It said the matter was discussed at the Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) meeting on Tuesday. The meeting was told that the population of Lahore district was around nine million and during last two decades, a rapid growth of population and vehicle ownership had added to traffic congestion. “Vehicles registration has increased from 52 to 116 per 1000 inhabitants. Similarly, car ownership during the same period increased from 13 to 35 per 1000 inhabitants.”

The PDWP was further informed that the road attracted a large number of motorists because of underpasses but the two lanes could not accommodate the rush. During peak hours traffic speed had fallen from 55 kms an hour to 25 km an hour. “This results in excessive vehicular emission creating a dangerous level of environmental pollution.”

The feasibility report, according to the announcement, would include digitised topographic survey, traffic study, geo-technical investigation, environment impact assessment, environment mitigation plan and project proposals.

“A misunderstanding among some sections of the society that hundreds of trees will be cut down during this expansion of work is not correct. It has been decided that during the course, all stakeholders, citizens, organisations, NGOs, experts and media will be consulted and taken into confidence.”