Rawalpindi: Minister for Railways Sheikh Rasheed on Saturday said that the army’s engineering wing will prepare a new design for Leh Expressway.
He shared his views on the matter during a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar. It was decided that the provincial government will select the design and mode of construction on March 1.
Minister Rasheed said that services of the National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) will be hired for this dual carriageway project. It will be constructed under a public-private partnership arrangement.
Moreover, the Punjab chief minister approved the extension of the project by including several kilometre-long portions. Leh Expressway will now comprise a 23km-long road between Soan Bridge and the Kashmir Highway. Its portions include Ammar Chowk, Katarian Bridge, and IJ Principal Road.
During the meeting, the utilisation of a chunk of state land on the bank of Soan River was suggested. The railways minister remarked that a shopping centre could be constructed on this area. He added that two interchanges, 11 flyovers, and three underpasses will also be developed as part of the project.
