PC-1 for building DG Khan northern bypass approved

ISLAMABAD: The National Highway Authority (NHA) executive board on Monday approved PC-1 for the construction of the Dera Ghazi Khan Northern Bypass worth Rs4.24 billion.

The meeting headed by NHA chief Shahid Ashraf Tarar was informed that construction of the bypass was imperative keeping in view the ever increasing traffic flow coming from the Karachi Port on the Indus Highway (N-55) and passing through D G Khan.

The city, situated at the junction of the Indus Highway and the National Highway (N-70), is the central point of four provinces, with traffic coming from all sides.



Similarly, stone-crushing plants built along the National Highway and the DG Khan Cement Factory generate big flow of heavy traffic for the supply of crushed stone, sand and cement to southern Punjab and other parts of the country.

This is resulting in frequent blockage of heavy traffic on N-75 that passes through the heart of the city, much to the inconvenience of both the commuters and the city residents.

The proposed bypass will solve the traffic congestion and ensure uninterrupted traffic movement, besides reducing travel time and accidents.

The provision of better road facility for the inhabitants of the area will surely lead to more employment opportunities and better living standards.

The meeting was also informed that 60 meter-wide right-of-way (ROW) will be acquired for the construction of the bypass.

Four major bridges at Vador Nullah, Katchi Canal, DG Khan Canal and Manka Canal, as well as a flyover at the DG Khan-Kashmore railway crossing are also part of the project with a completion timeframe of 18 months.