KARACHI, Sept 1: In order to reduce traffic congestions, work on installing signals at Guru Mandar, old exhibition and Banaras roundabouts has started under the Khushhal Pakistan Programme at a cost of Rs133.318 million.

Chief secretary K.B. Rind, along with DCO Karachi Shafiqur Rehman Paracha, on Sunday visited the roundabouts where traffic signals are being installed.

During a visit to various areas, the chief secretary drove through the under-construction Shahrah-e-Chishti (from Abdullah College to Banaras Chowk), FTC roundabout, where a flyover is to be constructed.

In North Nazimabad, Mr Rind expressed satisfaction over the traffic flow after installation of a traffic signal at the Board Office roundabout. He appreciated the effort made to control the old problem of traffic congestion.

Mr Rind said that while carrying out these schemes, the grown-up trees should be shifted through transplantation method so as to save them from going waste.

At the old exhibition roundabout, the chief secretary observed that vehicular and pedestrian traffic through this section had grown considerably following the construction of Bagh-i-Quaid.

Mr Rind also visited the areas of Pahar Ganj, Gujjar Nullah, Baldia and other kutchi abadis.

The chief secretary also inspected the ongoing work on the Northern Bypass. The NHA officials apprised him of the project details.

He said if there were no encroachments along the alignment of the bypass, the people living there should be provided alternative plots while shifting them from there.

The NHA officials showed Mr Rind the spot where the Lyari river bed was being reduced with stone pitching. He was informed that this would defeat the very objective of Lyari Expressway.

The chief secretary said legal action would be taken against those who are indulging in an illegal activity.

EDO Works, Brig Zahir Qadri (retired), EDO Transport, Dr Tahir Soomro and other senior officials were also present.—APP