Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi in-augurated the 6.5-kilometer Shahrah-e-Nazaria Pakistan Signal-Free Corridor here on Tuesday to enhance traffic flow.
The signal-free corridor is now open for traffic, featuring the construction of 7 U-turns along Sha-hrah-e-Nazaria Pakistan, effectively transforming it into a signal-free corridor. This busy city highway has long grappled with traffic issues, and the completion of the 6.5 km corridor within a short time frame addresses this concern. Previously, 2 U-turns were established on the Road. The project expanded to include the construction and opening of 5 new protected U-turns. A notable aspect of the project is that not a single tree was felled during its construction. The corridor spans from Canal Road to College Road Ameer Chowk, encompassing Nazaria Pakistan Road as a signal-free corridor. Shaukat Khanum Hospital Chowk was also made signal-free under the same project, benefiting over a lakh vehicles daily and residents in areas like Wapda Town, Canal Bank Road, PCSIR, Johar Town, PIA Society, Abdalin Society, and neighboring localities. Addressing the media, Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi remarked that with the completion of the 7 U-turns on Nazaria Pakistan Road, it is now a fully signal-free corridor, and the revamping of College Road is slated for completion soon. He outlined that projects such as Ghora Chowk, Babu Sabu, Walton Road, and others will be finalized by the next month, attributing the efficiency to exemplary teamwork. CM Naqvi noted that a significant number of roads in Lahore have already achieved signal-free status. Regarding parking violations, Naqvi disclosed that over 200 plazas were sealed for non-compliance with parking rules. He emphasized that while LDA approvals include provisions for parking, some plaza owners fail to construct designated parking spaces. He highlighted ongoing efforts to address traffic issues at 44 key points in Lahore, aiming to save time and fuel through effective solutions. Responding to a question, Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed confidence that whoever assumes office will continue the efforts. He cited the recent incident involving a Sikh family, affirming that the perpetrators were foreigners, not Pakistanis. Commending Punjab Police for solving the case, he underscored ongoing measures to tackle smog, with consultations this week shaping the course of action. Chief Minister Naqvi informed that driving license fees will see a reduction if obtained before January 1, urging citizens to avail themselves of this opportunity in December. He emphasized the need to avoid high fees, noting that government subsidies are unsustainable in the long run. In a move to assist Qingqi rickshaw operators, their registration will be free for one month, with subsequent action against those failing to register. Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi also took note of a girls death in Rawalpindi.
