The Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has ordered a ban on excavation and any kind of damage to newly constructed roads, directing departments to coordinate their work to prevent roads from being repeatedly dug up.
The directive came during a meeting in Lahore to review development projects funded through own-source revenue (OSR) across Punjab.
Maryam Nawaz also ordered officials to ensure that manholes and sewerage covers are level with road surfaces. All new roads must have proper roadside drainage, signs and lane markings, she said.
Officials were also told not to collect charges from shopkeepers without prior approval. The chief minister called for separate completion timelines for all development projects.
The meeting reviewed OSR schemes in Lahore, Multan, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Rawalpindi and Faisalabad, which were approved by the chief minister.
The projects include construction and widening of dual carriageways, road carpeting, footpaths, cat’s eyes, kerb stones, lane markings and roadside drainage, besides sewerage, beautification, sports facilities and solarization of disposal stations, which were also approved.
CM Punjab directed authorities to keep road projects dust-free and ensure adequate drainage along newly built roads.
In Lahore, beautification schemes were approved for 10 roads, including Egerton Road, Lytton Road, Davis Road, Lower Mall, Lawrence Road, Queen’s Road and Bank Road.
Lakshmi Chowk is also due to be beautified, with artwork planned on the Metro track and its supporting pillars.
The chief minister ordered the Orange Line track along Multan Road to be cleaned and improved through plantation and mural painting. A scheme to build and widen rural roads on the outskirts of Lahore was also approved.
CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz also approved numerous OSR project for Kasur, Sheikhupura, Multan, Khanewal, Kabirwala, Mian Channu, Jahanian and for Talumba.
Six schemes were also approved for Vehari, while six development projects covering a children’s park, street lights, road construction and widening, and beautification were approved for Lodhran.
The meeting approved 12 OSR projects in Bahawalpur, three in Rahim Yar Khan and eight in Bahawalnagar. A further 13 schemes were approved in Sahiwal, four in Okara and 14 in Pakpattan.
In Faisalabad, 13 road construction and repair projects were approved, along with six projects in Chiniot and 18 in Jhang.
In Rawalpindi district, 13 projects were approved, along with six in Attock, four in Murree and seven each in Jhelum and Chakwal.
The chief minister also sought details of projects for Hasan Abdal, Hazro, Kallar Kahar and other tehsils.
