Punjab has given the green light to a suite of nine major road projects with a combined budget of approximately Rs 13.67 billion. These initiatives are aimed at modernizing the province’s transport infrastructure, boosting regional connectivity, and supporting economic development across key districts.
The approved projects:
1- Dualization of Lahore-Jaranwala Road:
A 14.61-kilometer stretch from Mandi Faizabad to Mangranwala in Nankana Sahib will be dualized at an estimated cost of Rs. 1.163 billion. This upgrade is expected to ease traffic congestion and improve safety on a critical corridor.
2- Rehabilitation of Sahiwal-Arifwala Road:
A 26-kilometer section leading to the Harappa Bypass via Malan Shah Chowk in Sahiwal is slated for rehabilitation, with a budget allocation of roughly Rs. 1.09 billion. The goal of this initiative is improved road conditions for more convenient local travel.
3- Farooqabad to Tehsil Safdarabad Road (Sheikhupura):
The rehabilitation works along this 23.75-kilometer stretch have been approved for Rs. 1.512 billion. Improvements in this section are expected to contribute significantly to regional mobility.
4- Improvement of Safdarabad-Manawala Road (Sheikhupura):
This road, spanning 19.5 kilometers, will undergo upgrades for a cost of about Rs. 1.18 billion ensuring better connectivity between major urban centers.
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5- Restoration of the Road from Chiniot to Tahli Adda (Sargodha):
Stretching 34 kilometers and passing through Sial Mor, Midh Ranjha, and Hilalpur, this project has an estimated cost of Rs. 1.94 billion. It will play a crucial role in improving access in and around Chiniot.
6- Widening and Upgrading of Sahiwal to Shahpur Road (Sargodha):
This 34.4-kilometer route will be enlarged and improved at a cost of Rs. 1.9 billion to accommodate growing traffic needs and enable more efficient trade and travel.
7- Restoration of Sangla Hill–Safdarabad Road (Nankana Sahib):
A 14.05-kilometer section is set for restoration with Rs. 1.22 billion allocated, enhancing local infrastructure and connectivity.
8- Rehabilitation of the Tandlianwala to Kamalia Route (Faisalabad):
Covering 59 kilometers through key intersections at Zaffar Chowk and Mamukanjan, this vital route is slated for rehabilitation with Rs. 1.82 billion. The improvements are expected to benefit commerce by facilitating timely movement of goods.
9- Taxila to HMC Farooqia Road dualisation (Rawalpindi):
A 10.8-kilometer section will be dualized at an estimated cost of Rs. 1.86 billion, enhancing the connection between Taxila and key industrial areas.
Barrister Nabeel Awan, the chairman of the Planning and Development Board, presided over a high-level meeting of the Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) that approved these projects. Senior authorities in attendance, like as Chief Economist Masood Anwar and the P&D Board Secretary, emphasised the significance of these programs for the province.