Lahore—The widening of the canal road project will be completed in the first week of January 2012. More than 80 percent work has been completed on the site while Asphaltic Wearing Course work and carpeting would be finished till the said date which is rapidly in progress by National Logistics Cell (NLC) and Communication and Works Department Punjab.

It is pertinent to mention that the project took 25 days extra from the stipulated time frame given by the Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif as the PC-1 of the project was revised to include additional works like the light pools of Light- Emitting Diode (LED), horticulture, foot paths, drainage, telephones and sui gas lines.

Muhammed Shahid-Resident officer of NESPAK,the consultant company of project, told here Thursday that initially government approved the PC-1 worth Rs 1016 millions and the revised plan would cost Rs 1513 millions adding that the Chief Minister approved the project.

Syed Nafasat Raza Zaidi,Executive Engineer Communication and Works department stated that under the project, approximately 17.2 kilometre total road from both sides would be widened from Mall road underpass to Doctors Hospital. Some portions in the said area already have been widened like FC college Under pass to New Campus bridge and these were not included in the project.

He added that the road having width of 42 feet on one side and 84 feet total of both sides would be comprised on three and half lanes along with shoulders and parking area. A special Bus lane would also be made for the heavy traffic and public service vehicles on the road.

Nafasat Zaidi,added that after the completion, Canal Road would facilitate tens of thousands of people daily besides easing the traffic mess which had been made routine every time on the road.