Decision to develop large-scale parking projects for smooth traffic flow

LAHORE, May 21 (APP): The Punjab government has decided to develop a large-scale parking infrastructure for a permanent solution to the parking problem.

Preparations have also begun to introduce modern underground and smart parking systems in inner Lahore, the Walled City and busy business areas.

According to sources, the Punjab government has started preparing a major project to permanently eliminate the increasing traffic pressure, illegal parking and the worst traffic jams in the markets across the province including Lahore.

On the instructions of former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, it has been decided to start the process of identifying suitable locations for parking plazas across Punjab, including Lahore, while the possibility of declaring the next financial year as the year for the construction of parking plazas is also being expressed.

The total number of underground parking plazas in Lahore will reach seven, while construction work is already underway on two parking plazas managed by TEPA. A decision has also been taken to construct a new parking plaza at Bhati Gate, while two more parking plazas are under construction in different stages inside Lahore.

Along with this, instructions have also been issued for the construction of parking plazas at two more locations in the Walled City.

The Walled City Authority has been given the task of identifying the land, completing feasibility and preliminary technical work while engineering, designing and construction responsibilities of the projects have been entrusted to the LDA.

A comprehensive plan is being prepared for the construction of parking plazas not only in Lahore but also in other old and heritage cities of Punjab.

Proposals have been sought from the relevant deputy commissioners of the cities facing parking problems.

According to sources, the construction of more than twenty parking plazas is likely to be included in the annual development program of the next financial year. All the projects will be finalized in the light of the recommendations of the relevant authorities, district governments and technical institutions, while the proposals will be presented in the Lahore Development Authority meeting for approval.

After the final approval of the projects, it is also being expressed that funds will be allocated in the next budget.