LAHORE:Keeping its vision to further modernise the provincial capital, Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has finalised the Urban Regeneration/Remodeling plan of MM Alam Road at an estimated cost of Rs1.230 billion.
The Governing Body of the authority has recently approved the working paper and the project will be completed within a period of six months, once started. The LDA teams also held detailed deliberations with local traders, residents, and other stakeholders in which various issues were discussed.
As per the decision of the authority, the cost of the project shall be borne by the LDA, from its own resources, and no demand for the funds shall be submitted before the Punjab government for this project. MM Alam Road is located in the heart of Lahore’s Gulberg area, making it easily accessible from all parts of the City. The road is well-connected to other major roads, making it easy to reach by car, taxi, or public transport.
MM Alam Road is known for its vibrant atmosphere, upscale shopping, and diverse dining options as this road is a popular destination for locals and tourists, with visitors flocking to the area for its bustling atmosphere, shopping, and exquisite dining scene and has become a symbol of Lahore’s upscale lifestyle, attracting locals and tourists alike.
Currently, the major problem of the road was least parking and pedestrian facilities due to which shoppers and visitors suffer especially during peak hours. In-order to eliminate/address the parking issues and to make MM Alam Road more attractive and convenient for visitors and shoppers, LDA has proposed extended pedestrian facility on MM Alam Road along with underground electrification which will enhance the livability, sustainability and resilience of the road and adjoining areas.
MM Alam Road is one of the most expensive area of LDA Controlled Areas and a major source of revenue in the form of land use change and approval of maps etc. This development will boost the overall economic activity in the area and will benefit LDA in its revenue generation, and facilitate the general public at large.
The local stakeholders have also been taken on board for this intervention and on the request of local trade association and business community and surrounding areas, a proposal for regeneration and upgradation of infrastructure of MM Alam Road was conceived and prepared, said LDA Director General Tahir Farooq while talking with The News on Sunday.
He said under the project, new features will be added to the road and after its completion one can see Mini Market Roundabout from Hussain Chowk. He said the main features of the project included a same building line, underground electrification, enhanced facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, inclusion of dedicated parking facilities, which will ensure traffic and pedestrian road safety.
Tahir Farooq said that the central maiden of the road would be removed and the road will be made one way (from Hussain Chowk towards Mini market). He said the 30 feet mandatory set back in front of the shops will be redesigned for the pedestrians while a liner parking will be given on the road where presently the footpath existed.
Over a question, he said those property owners who have not yet converted their properties as commercial and are extended to the road will be offered special concessions and incentives so that they will left a 30 feet set back voluntarily.
Answering a question about starting date of the project, DG said that as soon as the utility companies completed their plans of shifting utility services underground, the LDA will kick start the project.