LDA prepares proposals for construction of Mall Road tunnel
The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has started preparing proposals to maintain the flow of traffic on The Mall, which is the busiest road in the provincial capital, Profit learnt on Wednesday.
As prominent markets like the Hall Road market, Neela Gumbad bicycle market, Anarkali bazaar, Baden Road market and many important government offices and courts are located on The Mall, it is becoming increasing difficult for the traffic police and other government departments to manage the flow of traffic, particularly on weekdays.
Sources said the LDA has been tasked by Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar to work on proposals to improve traffic flow on the Mall Road. In this regard, the LDA started to work on two proposals: i) a two-way underpass at all ‘chowks’ on the road and ii) an underground tunnel from Mian Mir Bridge till Neela Gumbad Chowk, with exit points on various chowks. The depth of the tunnel would be 40 to 50 feet.
A joint study has also been started by LDA and the National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) for further planning in this regard, sources said.
In the next few days, Lahore Commissioner Zulfiqar Ahmad Ghuman will be briefed on the proposal based on NESPAK’s study, after which the same would be shared with the CM.
Talking to this scribe, LDA Spokesperson Sohail Janjua confirmed that paperwork on the tunnel construction project had been started by the engineering department.
However, he maintained that the proposal has not been discussed so far with NESPAK, LDA DG or Lahore commissioner.