LAHORE, June 11: Travelling from Chauburji to Scheme Morr on the Multan Road has become a nightmare for motorists, especially during rush hours.

Traffic volume on the thoroughfare has increased manifold in the last decade due to the construction of motorway and a number of housing colonies and factories on Multan and Raiwind roads.

Shifting of the inter-city bus and wagon stands on the Bund Road is another contributing factor. Increase in traffic volume has also enhanced level of air and noise pollution.

Skin and respiratory diseases, hearing impairments, behavioural disorders like anxiety, irritability and emotional stress are on the rise among the residents of adjoining localities.

According to a survey conducted by the Environment Protection Department, Yateem Khana Chowk is one of the points in the city where air and noise pollution levels are much higher than the human tolerance level.

Encroachments and parking of private transport vehicles cause traffic jams at Samanabad Morr, Yateem Khana Chowk, Scheme Morr, Chungi and Thokar Niaz Beg. Traffic signals stop working because of power breakdowns at Samanabad Morr in the evenings, particularly on Saturdays and Sundays, and worsen the situation. Lesco passes the buck on people, who use metal wires for kite flying.

A large number of people go to their native towns or Lahorites working in other cities return home on weekends. The Multan Road is an important artery, linking Karachi with the Punjab and the NWFP. Goods imported or exported to and from the Punjab and the NWFP are transported to Karachi through it.

Afzal Sheikh, a resident of Johar Town who has business interests at the Yateem Khana market, said there was no need to build the underpass near the Doctor's Hospital.

"Keeping in view the traffic load, this road should be widened at least by 40 feet on both sides from Chauburji to Scheme Morr. Underpasses at Yateem Khana Chowk and Scheme Morr should be constructed immediately."

Azam Khan, who owns a shop at Samanabad Morr, said the previous government had marked buildings which were to be demolished to widen the road. With the dismissal of the government, the plan had been shelved, he claimed.