Gujar Khan: The Punjab government is considering a significant change in its infrastructure development plans, with discussions underway for constructing a single-carriageway between Jhelum and Lillah, as reported on October 14.
As per details, this move marks a shift from the previously approved 128-km dual-carriageway project, which had received approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) in 2021. A revised proposal has been submitted to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for formal approval, according to Deputy Commissioner Jhelum, Syedah Ramallah Ali. Speaking at the inauguration of a model village in Pind Dadan Khan, the deputy commissioner revealed the altered plans while responding to questions about the stalled dual-carriageway project.
She noted that the PC-I for the Lillah-Jhelum road has been amended to a single-carriageway, with the government aiming to allocate funds by December to restart construction. “The entire project is under review, awaiting the chief minister’s approval,” she stated. The deputy commissioner further clarified that the Lillah-Jhelum project is a joint effort between the Punjab and federal governments, and the revised PC-I has already been submitted to the chief minister’s office for consideration.
When asked about the utilisation of the PKR. 16 billion approved in 2021, she confirmed that around 25 percent of the funds had been spent, though she was unaware of the project’s updated cost. Addressing concerns over the partially completed dual-carriageway sections, she explained that the planning department had been tasked with finding a solution.
