Lahore has officially launched a pilot project aimed at improving traffic flow and ensuring the safety of cyclists and motorcyclists. Dedicated lanes for bikers have been created on a four-kilometer stretch of Ferozepur Road, from Kalma Chowk to Lahore Bridge (Qainchi). The initiative is designed to reduce accidents, create smoother traffic movement, and enhance the overall safety of commuters using bicycles and motorcycles.
The project, spearheaded by the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), features separate lanes for cyclists and motorcyclists, separated by low-height concrete barriers on both sides. The lanes will also be marked with eco-friendly blue paint and curve stones to provide clear visual distinction from the main road. Each lane is 12 feet wide to ensure enough space for safe and efficient travel.
LDA Director General Tahir Farooq recently visited the project site to oversee progress. He was briefed by LDA Chief Engineer Asrar Saeed and Project Director Haroon Saifi about the ongoing work. According to Saeed, the primary goal of the dedicated lanes is to improve traffic flow, prevent accidents, and provide a safer environment for cyclists and motorcyclists.
If successful, this initiative will be expanded to other major roads in Lahore, including Jail Road, The Mall, Multan Road, Wahdat Road, and Canal Road, according to LDA officials.
In a related development, the 26th Board of Directors (BoDs) meeting of the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) was held at the Jilani Park Headquarters. The meeting, chaired by PHA Chairman Ghazali Saleem Butt, covered a wide range of topics, including the approval of a salary increase for daily-wage employees to Rs37,000 per month and a 50% allowance increase for permanent staff, based on the 2022 basic salary formula.
The PHA Board also approved several new projects, such as the development and enhancement of parks, picnic areas, and seating points, as well as the construction of new restaurants at Jilani Park (Racecourse) and by the canal. In addition, the board gave the green light for the Horse and Cattle Show, and discussed improvements for various PHA departments, including administration, coordination, M&O, engineering, marketing, and horticulture.
With both the traffic and parks initiatives underway, Lahore is taking significant steps to improve infrastructure and ensure a better experience for residents and visitors alike.
