Punjab Bans Excavation of Newly Constructed Roads
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed government departments to stop unnecessary excavation and damage to newly constructed roads across the province.
The directive was issued during a meeting on Monday to review development projects aimed at generating revenue through government-owned resources. The chief minister instructed departments to coordinate their work so that newly completed roads do not have to be repeatedly dug up for different projects.
New Roads to Include Proper Infrastructure
The chief minister directed officials to ensure that manholes and sewerage covers are properly aligned with road surfaces.
She also ordered authorities to provide adequate drainage systems, road signs and lane markings as part of new road projects.
Departments have been asked to coordinate development work in advance to reduce inconvenience for residents and prevent unnecessary damage to newly completed infrastructure.
Charges for Shopkeepers Require Approval
Maryam Nawaz also directed departments not to collect charges from shopkeepers without prior approval.
Officials were further instructed to establish separate and clearly defined timelines for different development projects to improve coordination and ensure timely completion.
Development Projects Approved in Major Cities
The meeting approved several own-source revenue development schemes in Lahore, Multan, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Rawalpindi and Faisalabad.
The approved projects include:
- Construction and widening of roads
- Road resurfacing
- Footpath development
- Drainage and sewerage improvements
- Road and area beautification
- Sports facilities
- Solarization of disposal stations
Beautification Projects in Lahore
In Lahore, beautification plans were approved for 10 roads, including Egerton Road, Lytton Road, Davis Road, Lower Mall, Lawrence Road, Queen’s Road and Bank Road.
The plans also include improvements around Lakshmi Chowk and along the Orange Line track on Multan Road. Proposed work includes cleaning, plantation and mural painting.
Additional rural road projects were approved for Lahore, while Kasur will receive schemes covering roads, solar streetlights and beautification.
In Sheikhupura, five projects involving sewerage systems, pumping stations and roads were also approved.
The latest directives are aimed at improving coordination between government departments, protecting newly constructed roads and ensuring that development projects are completed efficiently.
