Rawalpindi: The Punjab government has decided to start work on the 123.6-kilometre long Tourism Highway next month, according to news published on Sunday (November 28).
The parliamentarians , during a meeting, decided that two inauguration ceremonies will be held to launch the work – one in Kotli Sattian and the other one in Kahuta. Reportedly, the road will start from Chowk Pindori Kallar Syedan and end at Mator, Payor and Punjar in Kahuta. From there, it will further connect Chent. Since there is a highway that connects Chent to Kotli Sattian, a new road will be constructed from Kotli Sattian to Lower Topa, which will in future connect Muzaffarabad. Moreover, the Punjab government has imposed Section 144 in the area in order to stop the sale and purchase of land in the area till the completion of land acquisition for the project. It was mentioned that Section 144 is implemented for three months. Under Section 144 (6) of the Criminal Code, 1898, any construction on either side of 220-foot of the road is forbidden.
As per a senior official of the district administration, the project falls under Public Sector Development Programme 2021-22 and the total cost of Tourism Highway is PKR 4.051 billion. He went on to say that it will be the shortest possible road link to connect New Murree and Panjpeer Rocks. He further added that the said road will decrease travelling between tourist destinations. Sharing more details about the Tourism Highway, it was revealed that camping and stopover sites and water activities will also be available for tourists. The said road will establish a new trade and transport link between tourist destinations and three tehsils of Rawalpindi district. It will also facilitate locals and promote economic and tourism growth. The senior official stated that PKR 2,486 million will be spent on road work, PKR 180.359 million for road furniture, PKR 912 million for road structure, and PKR 39 million for land acquisition
Hazafa reveres the art of writing and has been turned into a property enthusiast by profession. Her daily survival kit includes; tea, coffee, keyboard and paperbacks.
