COMPLETING development projects, especially those pertaining to road infrastructure and transport, on a fast track basis is the hallmark of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He proved so when he was the Chief Minister of Punjab and now while holding the office of the Prime Minister, he is maintaining the same speed and momentum.
On Wednesday, the Prime Minister performed the inauguration of Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed Avenue formerly known as IJP road and Seventh Avenue Overhead Bridge on Srinagar Highway besides performing ground breaking of Eleventh Avenue. There is no denying that reconstruction work on the IJP road as well as Seventh Avenue Overhead Bridge was started by the previous government but during that time, work on them was moving forward at a snail pace. However, as soon as Shehbaz Sharif assumed the office, these projects were put in acceleration mode and the result is that the mega projects have been completed in a record period of about one year. Especially, the reconstruction and widening of Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed Avenue (IJP road) was long awaited given the flow of heavy traffic on it. Indeed, now the flow of traffic on this artery will be more smooth which will carry enormous benefit for the residents of the twin-cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Another project which is facing a long delay is the widening of Islamabad Expressway up to Rawat. Whilst addressing the ceremony, PM Shehbaz Sharif said that all the ongoing projects of the capital will be completed by next month. This is great news and we expect that this will also include the completion of work on Islamabad Expressway which in fact will address the issue of traffic congestion on the artery that connects with the national highway. Given the increase in the size of population of twin cities, it is also important that metro bus rather metro train like projects are also undertaken both on Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed Avenue and Islamabad Expressway. This will greatly help reduce the traffic rush on these roads. In fact a fully integrated and modern public transport will be a great relief for the residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi and we expect that the PM will give due consideration to it.
