Survey to figure out 2030 transport infrastructure needs

The survey will cost Rs128 million – Rs114 million have been provided by Jica and remaining by provincial government.

LAHORE: The Transport Department is conducting a survey in collaboration with Jica, a Japanese aid agency, to figure out its infrastructure needs by 2030.

The survey will cost Rs128 million – Rs114 million have been provided by Jica and the remaining by the provincial government.

Several citizens The Express Tribune talked to had reservations about the effectiveness of the survey. They said that the survey was not being carried out in a professional manner.

Teams of a private firm, undertaking the survey, are noting down traffic details at the roads in the first phase. The details include types and number of vehicles during rush hours, number of commuters that use underpasses etc.

Muhammad Yousuf, the Transport secretary, told The Express Tribune that the private team had been recommended by Jica. He said that the survey would be completed by December and the traffic master plan for the city will be complete by next year.  He added that a special transport unit had been formed for the task.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 27^th, 2010.