Remodeling of Canal Road essential for safe travel facilities: commissioner

FAISALABAD, Aug 09 (APP):Divisional Commissioner Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh has said that remodeling of Canal Road from Abdullahpur Chowk to Gattwala is essential to provide citizens with safe, convenient and uninterrupted travel facilities.

In this regard, comprehensive working was carried out and the plan prepared by Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA) would be considered in an integrated manner so that effective measures could be ensured to ease increasing traffic pressure and provide better travelling facilities to citizens, he added.

He expressed these views while chairing an important meeting held to review traffic management on Canal Road.

Director General FDA Muhammad Asif Chaudhary gave a detailed briefing on traffic management and the proposed remodeling plan for Canal Road.

Director Development Asif Chauhan, Chief Traffic Officer Nasir Javed, Chief Officer Municipal Corporation Usman Ghani, Assistant Commissioner General Attiya Inayat and representatives of other concerned departments attended the meeting.

The meeting was informed that FDA engineers had prepared the plan after conducting a comprehensive technical and traffic engineering study aimed at making traffic flow on Canal Road smoother, safer and more modern.

The proposed plan includes the construction of two new bridges on Canal Road, two additional U-turns on each side, removal of 10 unnecessary ramps, and construction of four new ramps to connect Canal Road with the service roads in accordance with traffic engineering principles.

The meeting was further informed that these measures would significantly improve traffic flow on Canal Road, reduce congestion during peak hours and enhance road safety by minimizing the chances of accidents.

The proposed plan would also effectively connect Samundri Road with Canal Expressway while providing citizens travelling within the city with easier, safer and faster transportation facilities.

Speaking on the occasion, Divisional Commissioner Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh said that Canal Road is an important traffic corridor of the city and in view of the increasing traffic pressure, the planning according to future requirements is the need of the hour.

He said that while finalizing any development project, not only the existing traffic problems but also the expected increase in traffic in the coming years should be taken into consideration.

He directed that all aspects of the Canal Road Traffic Management Plan should be reviewed from technical, financial and administrative perspectives and a comprehensive and practicable plan should be prepared after incorporating the proposals of all relevant institutions.

He said that protecting citizens’ valuable time, ensuring smooth traffic flow and improving road safety are among the top priorities.

He further directed all concerned institutions to move forward with the project through mutual consultation and a coordinated strategy so that the best possible use of resources could be ensured and sustainable relief provided to citizens.

Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh emphasized that the primary objective of development projects is to enhance public facilities and improve the quality of life of citizens. Therefore, safe travel, smooth traffic flow and public convenience should remain the core priorities of the Canal Road Traffic Management Plan, he added.

He said that after finalizing the plan in consultation with all relevant institutions and in light of technical recommendations, the practical measures would be initiated.

Director General FDA Muhammad Asif Chaudhary said that the FDA had completed comprehensive technical working for a permanent and effective solution to the traffic problems on Canal Road.

He said that the proposed remodeling plan aims to bring traffic flow in line with modern requirements and provide citizens with safe and convenient travelling facilities.