THE first ever three-tier interchange in Punjab, Shalimar Interchange, is undoubtedly a gift for the Lahorites, who had to daily face massive traffic jams on the Mughalpura.
These traffic jams subsequently led to traffic mess on various adjacent roads adding to the problems of the commuters. However, Shalimar Interchange inaugurated on first day of 2010 will certainly help a lot in reducing traffic mess.
This interchange is in north east of Lahore. It comprises a 1.6 kilometres long flyover, two underpasses, two ground level bridges and 11 km service roads around the site. It is designed to improve the traffic flow in the area where even ambulances were held up in the traffic jams.
This majestic flyover has a 3-lane dual carriageway. It connects the city with Cantonment while on the canal side; the underpasses convert the Canal Bank Road into a fast moving signal-free corridor.
The flyover is of the latest design and will provide maximum utility for the residents by uplifting the whole area. Its sleek pillars and girders radiate openness.
As per the traffic statistics, almost 100,000 vehicles crossing the interchange will benefit thus saving overall an estimated 6000 hours of travelling time per day. The interchange’s flyover alone will facilitate 45000 vehicles per day while the underpasses alongside the canal will facilitate over 55000 vehicles daily. It is pertinent to mention here that during the construction, 93 shops were relocated while 153 families were compensated by paying them Rs 491 million on fair market value for land acquisition and structures by the Punjab government. On the inauguration of the project, Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif also distributed cheques of Rs 0.2 and Rs 0.5 million among the families of those who lost their lives or were injured during its construction work.
Shalimar Interchange, with a cost of Rs 3340 million, was constructed on the initiative of Punjab chief minister to uplift the deprived areas.
