The Institute of Architects Pakistan (IAP) Lahore Chapter in its Executive Committee meeting held here on Wednesday has expressed serious concern on the construction of the overhead pedestrian bridge on the Mall.
Imrana Tiwana chairperson of IAP speaking on the occasion averred that overhead bridges in the city have generally been a failure due to the inconvenience of climbing and access, especially for the older citizens, women and very young children.
'Ichara Bridge is a case in point where the fencing on the road level has perpetually been broken to avoid using the bridge in spite of constant repairs by the City Government', she added.
Imrana mentioning case of Chauburji Bridge dilated that protests by citizens ultimately resulted in pulling down the bridge on the premise that it was marring the beauty of historic gateway.
'The Mall Road can be classified in its totality as a historic precinct and any such construction work in this area will not only be an alien to the historic movement, but also be a blemish to the overall ambience of the Mall', she added.
Building her submission Imrana stated that vehicular traffic on the Mall has improved tremendously due to strict enforcement of traffic rules pertaining to lane system and improved synchronisation of the traffic lights. She proposed that pedestrian traffic could be enforced through strict enforcement and use of electronically controlled zebra crossings, as is the practice all over the world.
She appealed to the Governor as well as Chief Minister Punjab to take serious and immediate cognisance of the issue and review the decision of TEPA to build such an eyesore in the historic and intricate built environment of the Mall Road.