LAHORE: The Lahore Development Authority`s (LDA) governing body has deferred a proposal seeking improvement in traffic flow through construction of protected U-turns on Canal Road between Harbanspura and Jallo.

Dawn learned the proposal was shelved due to some financial and technical issues.

The proposal says the stretch between Harbanspura and Jallo on Canal Road has witnessed rapid urban development with the establishment of numerous residential societies, educational institutions and recreational facilities. This road stretch has not been accommodated in terms of its traffic volume requirement to date. The surge in population and activity has inevitably led to increased traffic, necessitating a strategic approach to traffic improvement.

`The provision of three protected U-turns alongthis route is proposed to address the growing need for the efficient and safe traffic flow. These U-turns would not only cater to the residents of burgeoning residential societies but also facilitate the smooth movement of students commuting to educational institutes and visitors accessing recreational facilities. By Implementing the proposed traffic improvement plan in this stretch will enhance overall traffic management, mitigating congestions and ensuring safety and convenience of the community,` the proposal maintains.

It further states that after conducting surveys, the cost estimate based on the MRS (market rates) first biannual 2023 and prevailing market rates amounting to Rs926.476 has been prepared which is chargeable to budget head Area Development Programme-New.

`In fact, this proposal has been deferred due to shortage of funds and some other technical issues. Hopefully, it will be approved in thenext meeting of the LDAs governing body subject to availability of funds,` an official source said.

DIGITIZATION: In the wake of the ongoing digitization of the records, the LDA team has digitized the land/ plot records of Model Town (Extension) scheme.

The processing of the applications related to Model Town Extension will start online from Jan 15 at the LDA one-window cell.

Earlier, the LDA had completed digitization of records of Johar Town, Faisal Town, and Sabzazar Scheme.

`The work of digitisation of the remaining schemes should be accelerated.

Additional staff should be deputed in the sifting cell for quick resolution of pending applications,` said Commissioner/LDA Director General Muhammad Ali Randhawa at a meeting here on Friday.

He directed chief town planners to make a plan to further simplify the process of approval of maps of commercial buildings.