Lahore: [Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan]
Director General Lahore Development Authority Tahir Farooq visited the Data Darbar Expansion Project and the under-construction Bhatti Chowk Underpass, where he reviewed in detail the pace and quality of ongoing development works.
During the visit, TEPA Chief Engineer Iqrar Hussain and the project director briefed the LDA DG on the progress of both projects. The briefing stated that finishing work is underway on the Data Darbar piazza and the underground pedestrian underpass, while work on the parking area and toilet block is also being carried out simultaneously.
LDA DG Tahir Farooq inspected various sections of the Data Darbar Expansion Project and directed officials to further improve the quality of finishing work. He instructed the relevant officers to ensure that all construction, renovation and beautification works are completed according to high standards so that better facilities can be provided to visitors.
TEPA Chief Engineer informed the LDA DG that additional teams are working on the upgradation of properties located around Data Darbar. Under the project, various works are being carried out at a fast pace to improve facilities for visitors, pedestrian movement, parking and other basic amenities.
The LDA DG also visited the under-construction Bhatti Chowk Underpass and reviewed the ongoing construction activities. The briefing stated that excavation of the Bhatti Chowk Underpass has been completed, while work on the bed is in progress. Work on the NJ barriers and walls of the project is also being carried out simultaneously.
Tahir Farooq directed the relevant authorities to further speed up construction work on the Bhatti Chowk Underpass. He said there should be no compromise on construction quality along with the timely completion of the project.
The LDA DG also directed NESPAK officials to ensure 100 percent quality at every stage of the project. He said the Data Darbar Expansion Project and Bhatti Chowk Underpass are important development projects for the city, and their completion will significantly improve traffic flow, visitor convenience and urban infrastructure.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Lahore Ring Road Authority has decided to establish service areas at six different locations along the Lahore Ring Road to improve facilities for commuters and generate additional revenue through commercial operations.
According to the authority, around 10 kanals of land has been allocated for each service area at selected points on the Ring Road. The proposed locations include Bahria Town, DHA, Haloki, Shafiqpura and other key sections of the route.
The planned service areas will provide multiple facilities for motorists and passengers, including food courts, fuel stations, parking spaces, rest areas and other essential amenities. Officials said the project is aimed at making travel on the Lahore Ring Road more convenient, safer and better equipped for daily commuters as well as long distance road users.
The Lahore Ring Road Authority has invited applications from experienced operators, firms and companies for the development and operation of these service areas. Successful bidders will be selected through a transparent and competitive process.
Under the proposed arrangement, the service areas will be leased for a period of 20 years. The successful operator will also have the option to extend the lease for another 25 years, subject to the terms and conditions set by the authority.
LRRA has set June 25, 2026, as the last date for submitting applications. Interested firms and companies have been asked to apply within the given deadline.
Officials said the project will not only improve facilities for road users but will also help increase the revenue of the Lahore Ring Road Authority. They added that the initiative is part of efforts to upgrade public infrastructure and provide modern travel-related services on major road networks in Lahore.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has set June 30 as the deadline for the completion of all priority development schemes, while directing relevant officials to speed up work on ongoing infrastructure projects and ensure the immediate restoration of roads affected by pipeline-laying activities.
WASA Managing Director Saqib Raza issued these directions while chairing a review meeting on development projects. The meeting reviewed progress on various schemes in detail, with particular focus on three major projects being executed under the Chief Minister’s Package. The MD WASA made it clear that all priority works must be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
Saqib Raza directed contractors to accelerate construction activities and instructed consultant agencies to ensure strict monitoring of the projects. He said transparency, quality and timely completion must remain the top priorities during the implementation of development schemes.
The MD WASA also directed that priority schemes being carried out under the Punjab Development Programme should be completed by the end of June. He stressed that public inconvenience must be minimized in areas where infrastructure work is under way, especially in localities where roads have been damaged due to pipeline installation.
According to the instructions, road restoration work should begin immediately in areas where pipeline installation has been completed. Officials were also asked to conduct a comprehensive survey of streets and roads affected by development works so that rehabilitation can begin without unnecessary delay.
On the occasion, Captain (retd) Nadeem Nasir highlighted the importance of early completion of sewerage upgradation projects. He said these projects are crucial for improving the urban drainage system and providing relief to citizens ahead of the upcoming monsoon season.
Officials reiterated their commitment to the timely completion of development schemes, improvement of sewerage and drainage infrastructure, and rehabilitation of affected roads. The timely completion of these projects is expected to improve civic facilities, reduce drainage-related issues and ease public difficulties.