LAHORE: Construction work on the Akbar Chowk flyover and remodelling project resumed on Thursday, marking the progress towards transforming Maulana Shaukat Ali Road into a partial signal-free corridor in the near future.

The project aims to improve traffic flow at the intersection, reduce environmental issues, save time and energy, and provide a hassle-free drive for commuters travelling between Kot Lakhpat and the main canal road.The revised design has significantly increased the project cost from Rs3.1 billion to Rs5.035 billion.

`After a delay of nearly two and a half months, construction work on the project has finally recommenced. Although the work initially began on February 28 of this year, it was halted after three days due to a stay order issued by the Lahore High Court, citing non-completion of various formalities by the project executing agency,` explained an official source.

The official stated that the inclusion of three protectedU-turns, the construction of flyovers on both sides of Akbar Chowk to avoid tree-cutting, and other interventions have contributedtotheincreasedprojecteost.

The protected U-turns will be implemented after passing Shog Chowk and extending till Pindi stop after crossing the Model Town Link Road intersection.

`We anticipate completing the project by September, barring any unforeseen hurdles during the execution of the work,` the official affirmed.

Lahore Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa visited the Akbar Chowk project siteto inspect the ongoing construction. During the visit, he assured the media that not a single tree would be cut down during the project`s completion. `With two flyovers, a section of Shaukat Ali Road, from Shog Chowk to Model Town Link Morr, will also become signal-free,`statedMrRandhawa.

He added that approximately 250,000 vehicles would benefit from a hassle-free commute once the project is completed.

`The long-standing traffic problem around College Road, Akbar Chowk, and the adjoining areas will also be resolved,` he emphasized.