Lahore Ring Road Police to be operational from December 25:CM Punjab

Lahore: Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif has said that billions of rupees have been spent on the Lahore Ring Road project to rid the people of traffic problems and to provide them relief, therefore the upkeep and maintenance of this biggest public welfare project is our joint responsibility. He said that development work on the southern loop of Lahore Ring Road would be commenced soon, whereas a separate police force is being formed to maintain traffic flow on Lahore Ring Road which will begin its work with effect from December 25.

The Chief Minister was presiding over a meeting of Lahore Ring Road Authority which was attended by Senior Member Board of Revenue, IG Police, Secretaries Finance, Forests, Planning & Development, Communication & Works, Vice Chairman Punjab Investment Board, Commissioner Lahore Division, DG LDA, MD WASA, NLC and NASPAK authorities. The meeting accorded approval to the budget of Lahore Ring Authority for the year 2012-13. Addressing the meeting, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that development work on the southern loop of Lahore Ring Road would commence after dividing it into various portions. He said this project will be an exemplary development project in terms of quality and transparency. Directing expeditious completion of the process of acquisition of land for construction of southern loop, the Chief Minister ordered that toll collection system at northern loop should be computerized whereas an effective business plan should be implemented in order to generate further resources for the project. He said the setting up of economic development zone is of utmost significance for promotion of financial and business activities at Lahore Ring Road. Formulating a committee, under the chairmanship of Chairman Planning & Development in this regard, the Chief Minister directed that the committee should present a master plan for setting up of economic development zone along the Lahore Ring Road. The committee will consist of secretaries of different departments, representatives of Lahore Chamber and Commerce and Members of Punjab Investment Board. He said that a theme park near Jallo Park at Lahore Ring Road would also be constructed which will be completely outsourced. He directed that best companies should be consulted regarding setting up of the theme park. Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that horticulture has been promoted at the northern loop of Lahore Ring Road which has been beautified with plants and flowers. He said that the horticulture work which has not been done so far on the remaining three loops of the project should be immediately carried out. The Chief Minister further directed that weigh bridges should also be constructed for maintenance of Lahore Ring Road.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister was given detailed briefing regarding development work at the northern loop, operationalization of Lahore Ring Road, setting up of theme park and establishment of economic development zone. A number of important decisions were also taken regarding construction of southern loop of Lahore Ring Road.