To resolve traffic problem is top priority: commissioner

Rawalpindi : The Rawalpindi Administration headed by Commissioner, Muhammad Mahmood has laid priority to resolve traffic problem in the city for which it has been decided to implement different projects specially the major one Ring Road.

This was stated by Commissioner Rawalpindi, Muhammad Mahmood while talking to Media persons.

At the very outset, the commissioner while briefing told that since taking over the charge a month back, he has been visiting different areas of Rawalpindi division including Jhelum, Chakwal besides Rawalpindi to ascertain the real facts about presentations given by officials of different local government departments.

He said that the major issue persisting in Rawalpindi city is the suspension of traffic, which needs to be resolved. In order to resolve traffic dilemma, we have designed multiple programmes including mega project Ring Road measuring 64 kilometer long starting from G.T Road to Sangjani and again terminating at G.T Road. The cost of the project is estimated Rs55 to 66 crores. Work on this project has already been kicked off.

Similarly, traffic choking in city exists in different chowks. The Rawalpindi Administration has initially decided to construct underpasses at Amar Chowk and Kutchery Chowk. We are also working on to construct underpass at Liaquat Bagh and Marir Chowk as well, the commissioner said. Besides this Parking spaces would be created for which purpose Multiple Storey Plazas would be built in Raja Bazar and Commercial Market besides Kutcheri Chowk to end traffic suspension caused by parking of vehicles.

Introduction of new Public Traffic system is also on the cards and we are working on this plan to implement in practical form. Tasking to enforce this plan has been assigned to concerned officials of local government departments. We would introduce new public traffic plan in the city. Moreover for overcoming traffic problem, we are planning to stagger school timings. They would also be asked to create their own parking system inside the premises of their educational institutions, the commissioner told.

Replying to a question, the commissioner agreed that to direct the school managements for arranging their own transport system for picking and dropping the students and other staff of their institutions.

The next major issue confronted to the people in Rawalpindi city is the problem of water shortage and we are focusing to construct three to four small dams in Rawat. The water from these newly constructed dams would be would be meant only for Rawalpindi, Muhammad Mahmood cleared.

While dilating on enforcing plans related to health, the commissioner referred to the ongoing project of Women and Children Hospital being built at Eidgah, Asghar Mall. We have pushed up work on this project on fast track. 50 per cent work on this health institution has been completed and the hospital would be made functional on temporary basis in February while the remaining work would be completed on this hospital in June this year.

The next big project include Urology Department for which purpose Rs600 million would be spent. The government has allocated and approved Rs200 million initially for starting work on it. Partially three floors would be made functional by end of March this year. With the allocation of remaining fund of Rs400 in the next National Budget, work on this Urology project would also be completed on fast tract and the entire department would be made functional at the earliest possible and schedule period of December of the current year.

Other plans being enforced include removal of permanent and temporary encroachments in Rawalpindi district. To end permanent encroachments encroached on state lands, we have already sealed 12 to 13 illegal housing societies and action on other schemes running illegally would also be carried on in accordance with the plan, he said.

As far as removal of temporary encroachments in Rawalpindi city is concerned, keeping in view off the present economic condition and unemployment issues, we have set up a soft corner on humanitarian grounds. However, we would in order to check too much encroachments we would adopt strategy of action even against them as well, the commissioner replied.