Punjab Governor inaugurates Lahore-Abdul Hakeem Motorway

Governor said if opposition believes NAB is overstepping its mandate, govt is ready for dialogue

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar on Sunday inaugurated Lahore-Abdul Hakeem Motorway at Jaranwala Interchange (M-3). M-3 will be opened to traffic on April 01 after 3pm.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of Lahore-Abdul Hakeem Motorway at Jaranawala Interchange on Sunday, he said that the government does not want any confrontation with the opposition parties, but it will stick firmly to its stance on accountability, adding that the government was unfazed by the opposition protests and the train marches while Prime Minister Imran Khan was determined to ensure accountability of all.

The Governor said that if the opposition believes that National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is overstepping its mandate, the government is ready for rational and meaningful dialogue in the parliament, adding that the process of accountability will not stop.

Ch Sarwar said, “The corrupt would not be able to escape accountability by criticising anti-graft watchdog and other institutions. He said that the country was faced with many challenges, but the government would steer the nation out of all crises under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan.”

He said that roads play vital role in mobility and connectivity of countries, adding that the government would ensure that untapped potential of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects was fully harnessed.

On the other hand, this is the first motorway in the country having Intelligent Transport System (ITS).

Besides Members of the Parliament, Provincial Assembly, Chairman National Highway Authority, Senior officers from Ministry of Communications, National Highway Authority, National Highways and Motorway Police and local administration were also present on this occasion.

Lahore-Abdul Hakeem Motorway (M-3) is an important section of Karachi-Peshawar Motorway project. Completion of M-3 has considerably reduced travelling time between Lahore and Multan as compared to GT Road besides reducing fuel charges and vehicles operating cost.

Construction cost of the 230 km long M-3 is Rs. 148.65 billion and it passes through districts of Shiekhpura, Nankana Sahib, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh and Khanewal, while cities and towns located along M-3 include Lahore, Sheikhpura, Mangtanwala, Nankana Sahib, Bucheki, Jaranwala, Syedwala, Tandalyanlwala, Samundri, Mamon Kanjan, Muirdwala, Toba Tek Singh, Rajana, Kamalia, Peer Mahal, Shorkot and Kot Islam.

Designed speed is 120 km per hour on the six-lane motorway. Eight interchanges, three service areas, 46 bridges, 60 underpasses, 201 cattle creeps and 705 culverts are built on this motorway.

On M-3, Intelligent Transport System (ITS) is installed due to which it may be termed a model motorway. The latest digital system is employed at M-3 which includes handling emergencies, controlling traffic accidents, lane marking, placement of LED screens, electronic toll collection, weigh station system and installation of Optic Fiber Cable as well as maximum civic and travelling facilities shall be ensured at service areas.

High speed vehicles will be monitored through cameras. Such digital system shall also be installed along other motorways gradually.