Lahore, Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, has officially laid the foundation stone for the Major Muhammad Ishaq Shaheed Flyover Project at Walton Road, marking a significant development in Lahore’s infrastructure. The project, aimed at easing traffic congestion, is a tribute to the late Major Muhammad Ishaq Shaheed and is expected to benefit a large local population.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the Chief Minister was briefed about the details of the flyover project during the foundation stone laying ceremony. The 750-meter-long, two-lane flyover is designed to facilitate smoother traffic flow from Qainchi Ferozepur Road to DHA, thereby reducing the traffic load on Walton Road. This development is expected to significantly benefit the approximately 10 lakh residents of Walton Road and its adjacent areas.

Initially, the plan was to construct two protected U-turns at a cost of Rs.1.20 billion. However, the collaborative efforts of CBD Punjab, NLC, and NESPAK in the construction planning resulted in a more cost-effective solution, with the flyover project now estimated at Rs.1 billion, saving Rs.20 crores.

CM Naqvi underscored the significance of the flyover, named after Major Muhammad Ishaq Shaheed, as a gesture to honor the sacrifices of national heroes and martyrs. He also announced that the construction of this flyover would render Walton Road signal-free, further improving traffic flow in the area.

In addition to the flyover, a bridge is underway to enhance traffic movement from Gulberg to Walton, with a completion target set for February 15th. This project, along with a comprehensive drainage project worth Rs.9 billion in the CBD area, aims to address the longstanding traffic and water stagnation issues in Walton, DHA, and Cantonment areas, particularly those more severe than in the Lakshmi Chowk region.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the flyover project would be completed within 120 days. He praised the collaborative efforts of CBD, Housing Department, NLC, and other teams, drawing on their past successes in infrastructure development.

The event was also attended by the Provincial Minister for Housing Azfar Ali Nasir, the Secretary of Housing, Commissioner/DG LDA, Chairman and CEO of CBD, Project Director of NLC, and other concerned officials.