RAWALPINDI, Dec 13: The Punjab government finally admitted flaws in the newly-constructed Committee Chowk underpass as the chief minister dispatched a three-member team to inspect the structure and suggest remedial measures.

The three-member team, comprising provincial local bodies minister Raja Basharat, communication and works secretary Sibtain Fazle Haleem and District Nazim Raja Tariq Kiani, visited the Rs350 million worth underpass "to see the problems by themselves".

Mr Basharat had earlier visited the underpass on Saturday and directed the engineers to improve the finishing to at least give the structure a worthwhile look and save people from facing inconvenience.

A source privy to the visit of the team said the members were of the view that there were certain flaws basically arising out of shortcomings in design, which needed to be rectified.

One of the biggest realization was that the land acquired was not enough, leaving no space for construction of drains alongside slip roads. Besides, at certain places, there were no footpaths because of paucity of space.

In this situation, several shops have their shutters right on the slip roads, posing danger to the buyers and pedestrians, and hampering smooth flow of traffic.

Another problem arising out of the improper land acquisition was that of electricity poles, some of which are present on the slip roads while some are on footpaths. The team also decided that the Water and Power Development Authority would be asked to relocate these poles as the latter had already been paid for the purpose.

Similarly, the district nazim, during the visit, pointed out that the electricity cables on the poles were very close to the buildings, posing danger to the lives of the occupants.

The communication and works secretary assured the other team members that funds would be provided to Wapda to lay these wires underground. It was also noted that the side walls were too high, hindering the vision of motorists.

The source said the team was of the view that the underpass looked more like a tunnel. Regarding the continuing problem of traffic congestion, the members expressed the hope that the situation might improve after the construction of drains on the sides.

Besides, it was suggested that Naz Cinema U-turn should be closed. The motorists will either use the Rawal Road turning or the district administration will consider the proposal of opening the Asghar Mall turning. The team was told that the underpass roads would have another two-inch layer of asphalt, thus improving their condition.