Lahore: Major works under the Data Darbar and Bhatti Chowk urban regeneration project have been completed in less than six months, including the new Hazrat Ali Hajveri Underpass, widened roads, pedestrian facilities, parking and public-space improvements. GNN reported the main package at around Rs2.5 billion, citing LDA Director General Tahir Farooq.
According to the LDA DG, about 22 kanals of land were acquired for road remodelling and underpass-related works. The three-lane Hazrat Ali Hajveri Underpass cost around Rs1.062 billion and provides a signal-free route for traffic moving from Azadi Chowk towards Kacheri. The underpass had already been opened to traffic in August.
The wider regeneration package includes modern parking, a pedestrian underpass, wider walkways, green and seating areas, drainage, solar lighting and Hajveri Street from Gama Shah towards Data Darbar. Road widening and improvements were also carried out around Bhatti Chowk, Lower Mall and Mohni Road.
However, the latest LDA-linked inspection on September 23 shows that some façade work, footpaths, parking areas, green spaces, signage and zebra crossings were still being finished. So the safest description is that the main infrastructure package is complete and operational, while some finishing and beautification work remains underway.
