KARACHI, Feb 20: The city government is at loggerheads with the National Highway Authority (NHA) over the structural designs of Lyari Expressway and Northern Bypass projects.

It fears that both the mega projects had some flaws leading to serious traffic problem mainly affecting the roads leading to the port, Mauripur and beach area.

The Works and Services Department had conveyed to the former governor, Planning and Development Department, and the Commander of Corps-5 that the existing designs of the two projects would have serious adverse repercussions on the smooth flow of traffic.

The department had also supplemented its reservations by its correspondence with the NHA with regard to the Rs8 billion projects.

The EDO (W&S), Brig Zaheer Qadri, has been insisting on the repair of the ICI Bridge, construction of an external road from Mauripur truck stand to Gulbai Bridge and access to Lyari Expressway from the main business district.

The ICI Bridge was built in late 50s and falls next to the starting point of the Expressway and Bypass and at the main road leading to the port. Due to the movement of heavy vehicles and being most often busy, besides years of neglect in maintenance, the bridge has lost its original strength and needs extensive repair.

He has suggested that the bridge be included in the mega projects so that the repair work and further maintenance could be incorporated in the mega project.

The department has contended that there was only one road leading to the Mauripur truck stand. Bulk of the traffic will ultimately adopt the same route resulting in clogging at certain turnings towards the truck stand. Such a situation would bring sufferings to the residents of Mauripur, Hawkesbay, Naval Colony and nearby villages, besides a large number of commuters.

The department has pointed out that traffic congestion will also hamper the city government plan for development along the beach and coastal area.

The city government has already conducted a thorough survey of area with the help of army and suggested that a link road from Gulbai Bridge be constructed to incorporate a route to the truck stand via marsh area from behind the existing main road.

The city government’s has further contended that there is no access for vehicular traffic from the business district to the Expressway no interchange existed between Mauripur and Manghopir Bridge along the Expressway.

It has pointed out that anyone coming from other business district will have to proceed to Old Golimar/Pak Colony to have access to the LEW via Manghopir intersection, whereas the main business district is located towards the southern side of the city.

In his response to the provincial government, the General Manager of NHA, Sindh, Mian Abdul Haq, has said that the city government should approach the federal planning commission for any necessary action and allocation of additional funds.

He has made it clear that if it was not possible, the provincial government should undertake execution of additional work on its own.—PPI