LAHORE: Waking up to frequent gridlocks in the city, Chief Minister Usman Buzdar on Thursday directed the authorities concerned to improve the traffic system to help resolve the issue being faced by the citizens.

Presiding over a meeting at his office, the chief minister said Lahore was facing traffic problems because of massive increase in the population and the number of vehicles.

He said there was a need to take immediate steps for improving the traffic system in the city as citizens were facing mental stress because of frequent jams.

Mr Buzdar directed the line departments to devise an effective traffic plan and ensure its implementation, as well.

He said the recommendations of traffic engineering study should be implemented to ensure smooth flow of traffic in congested areas.

He stressed that every possible step should be taken to ensure smooth flow of traffic at Bhatti Chowk (Data Darbar), Shimla Pahari Chowk, Garhi Shahu Chowk (Allama Iqbal Road), Workshop Chowk (Outfall Road), Allah Hu Chowk, Akbar Chowk (Maulana Shaukat Ali Road), Hussain Chowk (Noor Jehan Road), Regal Chowk on The Mall and Babu Saboo Interchange.

The chief minister said improvements should be brought in these areas through a comprehensive traffic management plan.

He ordered removal of all impediments disrupting traffic flow and that Ferozepur Road, Jail Road, Mall Road and Canal Road should be developed as a model.

He said parking facilities should also be enhanced in the city and the construction of new parking plazas should be considered.

Buzdar further directed that a traffic master plan for Lahore should be developed to facilitate the citizens.

Lahore commissioner gave a briefing about the traffic management plan. Officials concerned attended the meeting.

Published in Dawn, January 31st, 2020