LAHORE: The government has completed Route-47 infrastructure development works connecting Kalma Chowk/ Gulberg with Walton Road.

The Route-47 is a part of the project titled `Development of Central Business District-Walton infrastructure` that also involved the already completed Kalma Chowk Remodeling involving construction of two underpasses oneconnecting CBD and the other linking Centre Point with Firdaus market, according to a senior engineering official of the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA) owner of this project worth Rs13 billion.

`This is a very important project in terms of linking Kalma Chowk/Gulberg directly with Walton Road through newly-constructed CBD main boulevard and a flyover which has been named as Route-47 in remembrance of Quaid-iAzam Muhammad Ali Jinnah`s first landing at Walton airport in 1947 after existence of Pakistan,` Riaz Hussain, PCBDDA`sexecutivedirector(Technical) /chief engineer, explained while talking to Dawn on Thursday.

Route-47 is Lahore`s major infrastructure development scheme that also involves construction/development of a state-of-the-art sewerage, water supply, telephone, gas system, green areas, parking spaces and plazas required for thecountry`s first skyline (skyscrapers) for which a number of plots have already been sold to the local and international firms. A couple of countries, including the United States, have also expressed theirinteresttoget apiece oflandforthe purpose to construct the buildings for their consulates general reportedly.

`The CBD has been divided into two parts Quaid and Bab districts. The Quaid district starts from Kalma Chowk and ends before the railway line (flyover). The Bab district starts after the railway line and ends at Bab-i-Pakistan area, Walton Road.

The rehabilitation or remodeling of Walton Road involving construction of Ghora Chowk flyover has also been completed by the PCBDDA,` he maintained.

`The cost of this project was Rs10 billion,` Mr Hussain added.

According to a spokesman for the PCBDDA, all infrastructure development works have been completed on thestrategically important CBD Route 47, a major step towards enhancing connectivity, easing traffic congestion and promoting sustainable urban mobility in Lahore.

The route will soon be opened to public use, he said in a press release on Thursday.

The comprehensive development includes the completion of paintwork on the dedicated cycle lane, in line with CBD Punjab`s vision of promoting environmentally friendly commuting options. All road safety measures have been implemented, including the installation of speed breakers, speed rudders and speed limit signboards, ensuring a secure and regulated traffic environment.

In addition, horticulture work has been completed to elevate the visual appeal of the corridor, while the asphalt work and lane marking have been executed to meet the highest standards of urban road infrastructure.

CBD Route 47 spans approximately four kilometers and features a six-lane (3x3) modern road that connects the CBD Quaid district in Gulberg to the CBD Bab district at Walton Road. This important route is a crucial component of Lahore`s urban transformation, aimed at improving mobility and fostering economic activity in key business hubs.

A prominent feature of the project is the six-lane, 912-meter-long flyover constructed over the Walton Railway Crossing. This engineering feat will significantly ease traffic congestion, provide uninterrupted connectivity between urban centres, and serve as a vital link for thousands of daily commuters.

SEALED:Various teams of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) on Thursday sealed nearly 200 commercial properties/buildings on account of non-payment of penalties and commercialisation fee, according to a spokesman for the authority.

On the other hand, a team on Thursday imposed heavy fines on three stall vendors at Lahore Railway station for selling substandard food items, as per the spokesperson.