LAHORE: The two mega projects being executed in the city at Azadi Chowk and at three busy intersections on the Ferozepur Road near Qainchi are likely to be completed by middle of May, claim officials concerned.

The Traffic Engineering and Transport Planning Agency (Tepa), a subsidiary of Lahore Development Authority, is implementing the Azadi Chowk Remodeling Project worth Rs2,600 million under which elevated roundabouts (rotaries) and bridges are being constructed to ease the traffic flow and for smooth operations of the Metro Bus Service by converting the intersection into a signal-free corridor.

Under the same project, a one kilometer stretch of the Circular Road (from Masti Gate to Azadi Chowk) is being closed permanently to include three monuments -- Minar-i-Pakistan, Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort – in a single enclave in order to make their view clearer and more beautiful.

Similarly, Tepa is also constructing overhead bridges and elevated U-turns (rotaries) worth Rs3,600 million at Walton, Ghazi and Khaira (Chungi Amarsaddhu) intersections on Ferozepur Road to make the stretch a signal-free corridor for the motorists as well as the Metro buses.

According to a senior Tepa official, the officials were busy executing the projects within the given timeline by working day and night.

“We are expecting completion of Azadi Chowk project between May 10 and May 15, as various construction activities are rapidly underway these days,” Tepa Chief Engineer Saeed Akhtar told Dawn.

Similarly, he said, the elevated U-turns and flyovers at Walton, Ghazi and Khaira intersections would enter their final phases by last week of April and complete by May 10.

“As soon as we complete the intersections, we will start opening these for public one-by-one,” he added.

About the proposed construction of a flyover from Hussain Chowk to the main intersection linking Cavalry/Cantonment with Gulberg, the Tepa official said the idea was yet to be matured keeping in view financial constraints.

He said it was not possible to launch all projects simultaneously given the limited financial resources available with the government.

“The scheme may be delayed till next financial year,” Mr Akhtar said. He said before launching the project, the government would have to discuss it with the respective cantonment board as some of the proposed construction area fell under cantonment jurisdiction.