Road expansion delays deepen public suffering

Encroachments, lack of alternative routes and poor planning stall remodelling work for months

RAWALPINDI:

Despite the state-of-the-art Nawaz Sharif Flyover at Khawaja Corporation Chowk becoming functional, the remodelling, widening and carpeting of Adiala Road have been moving at an unusually slow pace for months. Excessive encroachments, illegal night markets, lack of alternative routes and poor planning have made life miserable for residents.

The remodelling and expansion work from the Shell pump to Adiala Jail and Gorakhpur has dragged on into an unending wait.

According to details, after the construction of the Nawaz Sharif Flyover at Khawaja Corporation Chowk, the remodelling, widening and carpeting of Adiala Road, starting from the Shell petrol pump to Gorakhpur, never progressed beyond initial demolition work.

The project's planning is so unclear that, without alternate traffic routes, road excavation, broken footpaths and rampant encroachments have created severe problems for residents of Adiala Road and nearby localities.

Encroachments are widespread from Dhamma Morr to the NADRA office, while illegal markets spring up on Adiala Road every night at 9pm, where loudspeakers add to residents' distress.

Locals have demanded that the government issue a clear statement on the road expansion, repair footpaths, link roads and other basic infrastructure.

They have also called for an effective operation to eliminate encroachments, permission for traders to install signboards and maintain proper access to their shops, and an end to illegal night markets.

Residents urged public representatives to visit the site and clarify official policy on the final width of Adiala Road.