Chairman NHA, Jawwad Rafique Malik gave a detailed briefing about the project and its importance. He informed that the existing road consists of 4 lanes which are not sufficient to accommodate the ever increasing traffic with the result that it faces frequent traffic jams causing immense inconvenience to the travelers. More than 63000 vehicles pass this section daily. He said the road will be widened to 8 lanes to ensure the smooth traffic flow. The project also includes construction of pedestrian bridges, bus bays and U-turns to facilitate the traffic. It will greatly facilitate the traffic moving from Lahore to Southern Punjab. The project will cost around Rs. 10 Billion and will be completed in less than a year time. It will benefit around 3, 50,000 persons who daily commute on this road.

He informed the gathering that NHA was successfully executing government’s vision to establish a wide network of highways and motorways stretching from Khunjrab to Gwadar Port including the all-important China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He said within next two years the country’s motorway network will increase four times to around 2400 km. The improved road network will reduce distances, save travel time and minimize accidents. The easy and quick traveling will tremendously boost trade and economic activities. He said all the provinces will get benefitted by this unprecedented road development activity.

The chief guest, during his address, appreciated NHAs role in the development of the country. He said the project will immensely help the people of Lahore and adjoining areas by ensuring the free flow of traffic between the provincial capital and South Punjab.