Lahore: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has mandated a ban on excavation and any form of damage to newly constructed roads, emphasizing the need for departmental coordination to avoid repeated disruptions. According to Chief Minister of Punjab, during a special meeting aimed at assessing own-source revenue (OSR) development projects across the province, the chief minister instructed that manholes and sewerage covers be aligned with road surfaces and mandated that all new roads incorporate standard roadside drainage, signage, and lane markings.

The meeting, which reviewed OSR schemes in key cities including Lahore, Multan, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad, saw the chief minister approve various projects. These initiatives encompass the construction and widening of dual carriageways, enhancements in road carpeting, footpaths, and roadside drainage, in addition to sewerage improvements and beautification efforts. Moreover, solarisation of disposal stations and development of sports facilities were also part of the approved schemes.

In Lahore, beautification projects for several roads, including Egerton Road and Lower Mall, received approval. The plan also involves artistic enhancements at landmarks such as Lakshmi Chowk and along the Orange Line track. Projects extending to rural roads in Lahore’s outskirts, as well as similar developmental initiatives in Kasur and Sheikhupura districts, were greenlit.

A total of 42 OSR projects were approved for Multan division, with similar endorsements for Vehari, Lodhran, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and other regions. Furthermore, Faisalabad and nearby districts saw approvals for various construction and repair projects, while Rawalpindi district and its surrounding areas received the go-ahead for numerous initiatives. The chief minister requested further details on projects in additional tehsils to ensure comprehensive development across the province.