Ring Road service areas plan approved

Punjab CM stresses timely completion of projects

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved several new road schemes, directing authorities to accelerate work on ongoing infrastructure projects across the province.

She was chairing a meeting where participants were informed that Rs125 billion had been allocated for the Chief Minister's Initiative, Local Roads Programme and projects nearing completion. Officials said 99 per cent of the development funds earmarked for the road sector had been utilised.

The Local Roads Programme comprises 1,567 schemes worth Rs79 billion, covering 3,400 kilometres. Of these, 1,129 schemes have been completed within 75 days.

The officials said savings of Rs11 billion had been made in road restoration projects. They said the 93.5km Multan-Vehari and 24km Faisalabad-Chiniot dual carriageways as well as 13km Tourism Highway had been completed.

Restoration of all 124 roads damaged by floods has been completed.

The chief minister approved the establishment of six service areas under the Punjab Ring Road Authority. It was revealed in a briefing that the facilities are expected to generate annual revenue of Rs500 million.