Almost all major roads in Lahore have experienced renovation in 2012, causing inconvenience for the city’s traffic. The National Logistic Cell (NLC) has decided to give some touch-ups to Multan Road as well. As a major road connecting Lahore with important locations in city’s southwestern part, Multan Road’s maintenance could not be ignored. The NLC formally started reconstruction of Multan Road from Scheme Mor to Chauburji on 27th Sept, 2012.
Rana Sohail, an official representing NLC, informed the news sources that the process of digging the five kilometre long road, laying drainage pipes, and reconstructing it would require a minimum time period of 3 months. According to Rana, the concerned government officials will start demolishing the shops on both sides of the road area that needs reconstruction in next the few days.
The owners of these shops have been issued final notices, creating panic among them. These shopkeepers demand a compensation of their property according to the market rate and refuse to accept any lower rates. These shopkeepers also protested that launching another reconstruction project just when most of adjoining roads are facing heavy reconstruction is just going to make it worse for people. The commuters also find it very upsetting for the traffic flow as well as business activity of the area.
On the other hand, the Commissioner of Lahore, Javad Rafique Malik said that the government is offering a handsome amount of Rs 1 million/marla compensation to the affectees. Malik added that the government of Punjab is well aware of the people’s problem and the authorities will do their best to complete the Multan Road project as quickly as possible. The commissioner of Lahore has directed the construction company to first lay the drainage pipe in centre of the road and then initiate construction of the road.
