Repairs begin at Jhal Khanuana flyover after 236 crashes

Stealing of iron joints, administrative disputes blamed for decade-long deterioration

FAISALABAD:

Following a decade marked by 236 road accidents, the authorities have finally initiated long-delayed repair and replacement work on the expansion joints of the Jhal Khanuana flyover, a critical artery connecting Satyana Road, Samundri Road, and several adjoining housing colonies.

According to sources, the original single-lane flyover, constructed in 1981, was later expanded in 2015 through a double-lane addition to manage the city's rising traffic volume.

At that time, for the first time in Faisalabad, fibre-and-iron composite expansion joints were installed to enhance durability and ensure a smoother travel experience for commuters moving between the eastern and western parts of the city.

However, despite periodic repair efforts, authorities struggled to maintain the structure as drug addicts repeatedly stole the iron joints, taking advantage of nighttime darkness.

Though municipal staff apprehended several suspects and handed them over to police, sources claim many offenders were released without consequence.

The situation worsened after the disbandment of the City District Government system in 2018, when disputes emerged among various departments over the flyover's ownership and maintenance responsibilities.

As a result, the structure's condition deteriorated further.

Rescue 1122 data revealed that over the past 10 years, seven people lost their lives, while 229 others were injured in accidents attributed to the damaged flyover.

Hundreds of vehicles also suffered losses due to sudden mishaps caused by broken joints and uneven road surfaces.

Compounding the crisis, the Punjab government imposed austerity-linked restrictions on new development funds for local bodies, further delaying essential maintenance work.

A senior Municipal Corporation official, requesting anonymity, said that upon assuming office, Commissioner Raja Jehangir Anwar immediately ordered restoration of the flyover. However, due to the Municipal Corporation's lack of engineering capacity, he directed the Communication and Works (C&W) Department to take over the project, transferring Rs78.59 million from the MC to C&W to ensure timely completion within three months.

Rana Azhar Hussain, Superintendent Engineer of Highway Circle-1, confirmed that fabrication and dismantling work is underway, adding that the project remains on schedule.

He said 108 new expansion joints, covering a length of 3,471 running feet, will be installed on both sides of the flyover, from GTS Chowk to Satyana Road and vice versa.

In a related development, a local civil society organisation has submitted an application to the Commissioner's Office, urging authorities to also recarpet the flyover's road surfaces.

Since one side of the flyover is currently blocked due to ongoing work and traffic has been diverted, the group argued that completing road carpeting simultaneously would prevent prolonged inconvenience and avoid repeated future closures.