CM inaugurates 4th mega project in Nov

LAHORE/DG KHAN: Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister inaugurated Akbar Chowk Flyover, the fourth mega project completed by the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) in the month of November, here on Thursday night.

Akbar Chowk Flyover was scheduled to be completed in a period of ten months but LDA’s Engineering Wing completed it in a period of seven months. Naqvi while inaugurating the Maulana Muhammad Ali Johar Flyover Project (Akbar Chowk) appreciated the LDA DG Muhammad Ali Randhawa and Chief Engineer LDA Israr Saeed for completing the project before the stipulated time. 

Despite heavy rains this year, the project has been opened for traffic ahead of schedule, he said adding the 2.2 km flyover and 10 protected U-turns have been constructed under this project.

The CM said that the two-sided Akbar Chowk flyover was the longest flyover of the city and caters many residential areas. He said with the completion of this project, a signal free corridor was established between Multan Road and Ferozpur Road. Earlier, Bedian Underpass, Shahdara flyovers and Cavalry underpass were completed in record time and opened for traffic, the CM said. The CM said the long-standing traffic problem along College Road and PECO Road will be solved with this flyover and work on College Road will also started shortly. Highlighting the eco-friendliness of the project, the caretaker CM said many valuable trees have been saved by making changes in the project and not a single tree has been cut while over 300 new trees have also been planted around the project. Earlier, Mohsin Naqvi conducted a comprehensive tour here on Thursday visiting the Institute of Cardiology, Veterinary Hospital, Livestock Business and Incubation Centre in Dera Ghazi Khan. Chief Minister issued directives to ensure the full functionality of the DG Khan Institute of Cardiology and to urgently address the shortage of doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff. Additionally, he declared a livestock emergency in Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan, emphasising the need for an immediate plan to boost livestock production.

Accompanied by provincial ministers Amir Mir and Ibrahim Murad, CM Naqvi thoroughly inspected the basement, ground floor, and first floor of the Institute of Cardiology. He scrutinised key facilities, including the gamma camera, CT scan, and MRI room, as well as the hospital's cafeteria and waiting area. A detailed examination of the Cardiology OPD was also conducted. Later, CM proceeded to the Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Business and Incubation Centre. There, he observed the ultrasound process for goats in the ultrasound block and inquired about the facilities from a goat owner.

Emphasising the need for a sustainable strategy, Naqvi directed the formulation of a plan within seven days to increase livestock production by tenfold.