Lahore’s Ring Road Southern Loop-3 Opens to Motorists
The Southern Loop-3 (SL-3) of Lahore’s Ring Road was officially opened to motorists on Thursday, following the substantial completion of the project by the Lahore Ring Road Authority (LRRA) in collaboration with the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO).
CM Expressed his Satisfaction with the Completion of the Project
Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed his satisfaction with the completion of the project, stating, “The Southern Loop-3 project had been stalled for the last 12 years. However, we have successfully completed this crucial work in a record 130 days.” The CM made these remarks during the inauguration of the 8-kilometer long SL-3, which stretches from Adda Plot to Maraka on Multan Road.
The Rs16.5 billion project is expected to significantly improve transportation facilities for motorists. Chief Minister Naqvi praised all those involved in the completion of the project, noting their effective management of the area’s traffic issues. “The entire team has done an excellent job in addressing the traffic problems in the area,” he added.
The decision to commence construction on SL-3 was made in June of this year, following the cabinet’s approval of the Rs17.798 billion PC-I. The project had been delayed by legal challenges since 2016, primarily due to the involvement of a “powerful” real estate tycoon. Construction formally began in August of the previous year, after the Punjab finance department initially released Rs6 billion to the LRRA, with a commitment to release the remaining funds in phases.
SL-3 connects to Ring Road SL-4
SL-3 connects to Ring Road SL-4, which will begin construction following the approval of design, PC-1, estimates, and bidding processes. The SL-3 loop starts at Adda Plot on Raiwind Road and ends at Maraka on Multan Road. Linking various localities, including Bahria Town. Pakistan Medical Society, and several village settlements. The 8-kilometer stretch is a six-lane dual carriageway featuring two interchanges, eight bridges. Four service road bridges (single span), six subways, 22 culverts, and a 24-kilometer long drain.
Initially, the project was to be constructed at a cost of Rs10 billion. Under a public-private partnership on a build, operate, and transfer basis. The contractors were expected to recover the project cost through toll collection over 25 years. The first contract was awarded to a private firm for Rs8 billion. In August 2016, the LRRA attempted to start work through Bahria Town. But the housing scheme’s administration and others obtained a stay order. Despite a compensation of around Rs550 million being deposited with the court’s treasury.
Final Words:
The court vacated the stay order in 2017, but the aggrieved parties filed an intra-court appeal, resulting in another stay. This was vacated in 2018, yet the project did not proceed. In October 2018, a joint operation by the LRRA, city district administration, and police retrieved land from the housing project. Demolishing 73 houses, four plazas, and other buildings. Despite this, the project was shelved by the PTI/Buzdar-led Punjab government for undisclosed reasons.
The loop is now open to traffic following the substantial completion of the project. As inaugurated by Chief Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi. This landmark development marks a significant milestone in Lahore’s infrastructure progress.
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