GUJRAT: The contractor has started work for reconstruction of the dilapidated old GT Road using heavy machinery at Kathala railway crossing, where the road was in the worst condition.

The locals, especially the businessmen, have been demanding reconstruction of the road passing through Gunjrat city since long as hundreds of industrial units are located along the busy artery.

Moreover, Gujrat city has also been expanding towards Kathala railway crossing near the bridge on the River Chenab, necessitating reconstruction of the road.

Deputy Commissioner Mehtab Waseem Azhar said the road would be constructed from Kathala Chenab to Rehmania bridge and over Bhimbher storm water channel, since these locations had been the city’s main entry and exit points.

He added the project would also help improve the city entrance as greenbelts would also be developed along the road, besides installation of lights there.

The reconstruction of the road has been approved by Punjab government on the recommendation of Federal Minister for Water Resources Moonis Elahi. The project will cost Rs1bn.

A sum of Rs250m had initially been allocated for the project in Punjab’s annual development budget. As per the authorities concerned, the project might take at least one year to complete if the required funds were released timely.

The local leaderships of the ruling coalition partners – the PTI and the PML-Q – however, claim the project would be completed in the current fiscal year.

Published in Dawn, November 25th, 2021