LAHORE: March 05 , 2011( www.pmln.com.pk)

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif today laid the foundation stone of a flyover project at Kalma Chowk, costing over two billion rupees. The flyover which will be the best of the country will be completed by August 14. The flyover with three lanes on both sides at Ferozpur Road will not only rid the people of traffic problems at Kalma Chowk but also streamline the flow of traffic at Main Boulevard and Ferozepur Road. Members National and Provincail Assemblies, Commissioner Lahore, Director General LDA, Sector Incharge National Logistics Cell and senior officers of NESPAK were also present.

Addressing a briefing meeting at the foundation stone laying of Kalma Chowk flyover project, the Chief Minister said that Punjab government is implementing a comprehensive programme of infrastructure development in the province and a network of flyovers and roads is being laid in the province.

He said that the projects executed in his last tenure were also unparalleled with regard to their standard and transparency and Lahore-Kasur Raod, Ring Road, Shalimar Interchange, Shaukat Ali Road and other development projects implemented during his current period are also comparable with any international project. He said that transparent utilization of every penny of public money is being ensured and third-party audit system is being strictly implemented in the execution of development schemes.

He said that horticulture is also being promoted for the beautification of development projects first time in the history of the province and special funds are being allocated for this purpose. He directed that all out steps should be taken for the completion of Kalma Chowk flyover project by August 14 so that better communication facilities could be made available to the people as early as possible.

He said that in the first phase, flyovers will be constructed at Kalma Chowk while in the second phase underpasses will be built. He said that no compromise will be made on the standard of the project. He said that construction of flyovers and underpasses in this important part of the city will result in provision of better communication facilities as well as save the time of citizens, students and patients.Earlier, Secretary Communication & Works Major (R) Azam Suleman while giving a detailed briefing about the project informed that the six lane flyover at Ferozpur Road is expected to cost Rs.2.3 billion. He said that the flyover will have three lane on each side. He said that it will be 660 meter long and average speed of vehicles will be 60km per hour. He said that the construction work will be undertaken round the clock for its early completion.

He said that alternative routes have also be planned for the convenience of the people during the construction work and a DS of traffic police along with 100 officials will be deputed to ensure smooth flow of traffic. He said that about four lakh vehicles pass from Kalma Chowk daily and around ten lakh persons use Main Boulevard and Ferozpur Road which are adjacent to the Kalma Chowk. Later, the Chief Minister unveiled the inaugural plaque and pressed the button to start the construction work.