Shehbaz inaugurates Punjab's longest underpass in Lahore

LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday inaugurated province’s longest underpass in Lahore.

The Beijing Underpass is 1.3 kilometre long has been completed in 125 days. The height of the underpass is 5.1 metres which is suitable for all vehicles to pass.

Around 175,000 vehicles will benefit from this underpass which has been built on a cost of Rs3.1 billion rupees. The government estimates that 994 million rupees will be based due to fuel costs, less carbon emissions and environment friendly landscaping and tree plantation

The areas benefiting from the underpass includes Zaman Park, Dharampura, Railway Colony, Mughulpura, Maskeenpura, Gulshan Park, Amir Town, Canal Banking House, Saamatpura, Harbanspura, Sami Town and Fatehgarh.

It is also pertinent to mention that the provincial government has installed 41000 new plants and planted 30,000 trees and shrubs all across the adjoining areas of the underpass.

The Canal Road Lahore has now become signal free from Thokar Niaz Baig to Harbanspura due to Beijing Underpass. CM Punjab said that underpass will reduce traffic congestion and save time of the citizens.

Restoration of Katas Raj reviewed

Chief Minister Punjab Mian Shehbaz Sharif presided over a meeting through video link to review the measures taken for the restoration of the Katas Raj temple near Chakwal, and for maintaining natural environment of the Salt Range.

CM Punjab said that the Salt Range area been declared as a “negative area” and now there will be restrictions on setting up new cement plants or industries in this area. The expansion of old cement plants has also been banned.

Furthermore, he directed that immediate steps should be taken for the pond which is part of Katas Raj Temple. The Groundwater Act draft will be finalised in four weeks. He said that no no illegal work will be allowed in the area.