DESPITE repeated promises by Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad to complete Leh expressway and flood channel project worth fifty five billion rupees in the present tenure of PTI government, work is yet to resume on this important project aimed at providing an alternative route for travellers between the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad besides a permanent solution to flooding in the area during monsoon.
Now a PTI MNA from Rawalpindi Sheikh Raashid Shafique, in an interview, has said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has asked the Punjab government to start work on the project by the end of this year under public-private partnership basis.
A survey for land acquisition has reportedly been completed and the Commissioner Rawalpindi, who has been made its Project Director, will reportedly soon start work to acquire the land. As many as 1600 houses fall in the way of the proposed expressway.
Whilst procuring these, it must be ensured that the owners get the due price of their houses, as per the market rate so that they could get better and safe accommodation somewhere else.
Coercion and intimidation must be avoided in the whole process. Those living along the Nullah Leh should also be cooperative with the authorities concerned so that work on this project could be started without any further delay.
This 16.5 kilometre long road, being tipped to change the landscape of Rawalpindi city to a great deal, should be completed in the given timeframe of two years as delay only increases the cost of completion.
As the commercial buildings, restaurants, hotels and link roads will be constructed along the Leh Expressway; this will prove to be an important artery in generating economic activity and providing livelihood opportunities to the locals. After the surfacing of a corruption scandal, the work on the Rawalpindi Ring Road project was halted.
The Punjab government should remove hurdles and take requisite steps for the early commencement of the Ring Road project. This is also of immense importance to handle heavy traffic as well as improve economic connectivity and road transport efficiency in the twin cities.
