Data Darbar’s parking reopened after 10 years

Step will help ease traffic flow around shrine

LAHORE:

After a decade long ban, the government has decided to open the Data Darbar's basement parking facility for the general public.

On the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman, Lahore Division Commissioner Zulfiqar Ghumman, along with senior officials of Lahore Development Authority (LDA), Traffic Engineering Planning and Transport Engineering (TEPA) and city traffic police, on Saturday, visited different areas of the provincial capital to assess traffic congestion on busy arteries.

He highlighted that there was a parking space for over 275 vehicles available in Data Darbar Complex’s basement, which is lying vacant for the past 10 years owing to security concerns.

The government has decided to make it operational to address parking and traffic problems around Data Darbar. Besides, he pointed out, up-gradation of Data Darbar Complex is underway to enhance the beauty of Sufi Saint’s shrine.

Speaking about another major traffic bottleneck, Shimla Hill, he highlighted that the TEPA has been directed to prepare a revised traffic management plan to Davis Road, Egerton Road and Empress Road junction. He indicated a proposal to connect Empress Road with Davis Road by using the existing road as a three-lane dual carriageway instead of one-way is under consideration.

“It will help improve flow traffic and avoid frequent congestion, especially during protest demonstrations in front of Lahore Press Club,” he said.

The officers visited Data Darbar, Bhatti Chowk, Circular Road, Shimla Hill, Ghari Shahu and Allama Iqbal Road to review requirements for remodelling and redesigning of roads, traffic management, the building of parking plazas, removal of encroachments, clearing of right of way and making other interventions at these locations.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 8^th, 2020.