Fast-track connectivity: CM Buzdar gives go-ahead for Leh Expressway project

Tells officials to submit PC-1 and feasibility report within 15 days

RAWALPINDI: Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has given formal approval for the construction of Leh Expressway, a Rs80 billion project, to help reduce the devastating impact caused by the annual flooding from the Leh Nullah.

The authorities concerned have been directed to prepare the PC-1 and feasibility report of the project and submit it within 15 days.

On March 1, the chief minister will announce the dates for laying the foundation stone for the project, release of funds and start of work. The project will be completed through private-public partnership.

According to Railways Minister Shaikh Rasheed, the length of the Leh Expressway project has been increased from 19 kilometres to 21 kilometres.

The project will start from the Soan River and will extend to Peshawar Mor after passing through IG Principal Road. The project will also provide interlink for Islamabad International Airport and Islamabad Secretariat. The project will also have two interchanges, 11 flyovers and three underpasses. The expressway will also have a big field channel and a treatment plant for sewerage water, the output from which will be used for irrigation.

Those who attended the meeting included Army Engineering Corps Lieutenant General Muhammad Afzal, FWO Director General Major General DG) Maj Gen Inam Haider Malik and head of NLC Major General Asim Iqbal well as Rawalpindi Commissioner Joudat Ayaz and secretaries concerned.

The project is first of its kind with its both sides planned to have commercial plazas and commercial areas while a mono-rail track will also be erected along the Leh Expressway. There will be a large amount of green area with various types of trees while designated tourist area will also be set up, the federal minister said, adding that the project was a big gift for the people of Rawalpindi as the city will be free from the yearly devastation caused from the floods. The nation will get a new signal-free route.

The vehicles coming in from outside the city including those from Murree Road Islamabad and New Islamabad Airport will also be able to directly use the expressway. In addition, a big transport station will be built in Soan. In addition to commercial plaza, there will be extensive parking areas on both sides of the expressway. A record number of trees will be planted on both sides of the track, adding to the cultural richness of the Potohar region.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 2^nd, 2019.