Banaras Flyover would be opened for one-way traffic in 15 days while PC1 of Rs 750 million for roads around Banaras Chowk has been sent to the authorities concerned for approval. Engr A Rasheed Mughal, Executive District Officer (EDO) Works and Services Department, City District Government Karachi (CDGK) told Business Recorder on Tuesday that the Banaras Interchange Project is close to completion as the carpeting process is under way.
The flyover will be opened for one-way traffic in 15 days, he added. This is the second such deadline given regarding the completion of the project as earlier on October 30, 2010 the EDO had informed Business Recorder that the project would be completed in next 15 days.
The project was initiated on December 14, 2007 at an estimated cost of Rs 550 million. Since beginning till date traffic jam remained one of the major problems at this junction. The flyover holds importance in the city due to the fact that it connects whole of Orangi Town and parts of Baldia Town with the main city areas. The problem is expected to be resolved after the completion of the project. The flyover is 1.160kms long. Mughal said the reason for the delay was Eid holidays as the laborers working on the project remained on leave for eight days and the construction work had to be discontinued but now the work has picked up again.
Talking about roads around Banaras Chowk, Mughal said that the PC1 of Rs 750 million for the roads which includes construction and repairing of roads on either sides and beneath the flyover has been sent to Sindh government for approval. After that the bidding process would be initiated, he added.
When asked about other projects including University Road project, he said the report of the projects including construction of University Road, Malir Halt Flyover, Malir No 15 Flyover and Gujjar Nala Project at estimated cost of Rs 4.5 billion had been sent to Sindh government during the last financial year. The Sindh government has forwarded it to the Centre for CDWP, he added.