Load management: Road works and special events cause traffic chaos

A combination of major road works and an influx of students for the Punjab Youth Festival and political workers for a Pakistan People’s Party rally resulted in traffic jams across the city on Monday.

For several weeks, large sections of Ferozepur Road, Lower Mall and Ravi Road have been blocked for the construction of the Bus Rapid Transit System, while the expansion of Multan Road is also currently underway, resulting in frequent jams at alternative routes.

On Monday, the traffic situation was even worse as thousands of students were bussed into Gaddafi Stadium for the Youth Festival, while thousands also arrived for a rally in support of newly appointed PPP Punjab President Mian Manzoor Wattoo from the airport to The Mall.

Chief Traffic Officer Captain (retired) Sohail Khan said that the closure of routes for construction work and the two major events in the city had resulted in major traffic problems on Gulberg’s Main Boulevard and Canal Bank Road.

And he warned that things will get worse over the coming days as contractors rush to finish work on the BRTS to meet the chief minister’s deadline of November 20. On Sunday, the chief minister ordered that trucks carrying construction material also travel during the daytime.

Captain (r) Khan said that 22-wheelers escorted by traffic wardens on motorbikes would be moving girders to the BRTS construction site. He said 24 wardens had been assigned to escort the trucks and clear a path for them through traffic. Sections of the road where the girders are being installed would be cordoned off, which would result in additional delays.

He urged commuters not to use the roads unless necessary, especially during rush hour. He also appealed for patience. “Yes there is inconvenience owing to the construction work, but as soon as the project is complete, the people will see its benefits,” he said.