The Punjab government has approved the Gujar Khan GT Road underpasses project at a cost of Rs 3,088.4 million. The plan includes two underpasses on GT Road to improve traffic flow inside Gujar Khan and reduce the risk of accidents on one of the area’s busiest roads.
Authorities will build one underpass at Guliana Morr and a second near the Technical Training College on GT Road. They say the project will improve traffic flow and reduce frequent road accidents in the town. The scheme has already entered the right-of-way clearance stage. Local authorities have demolished several structures, including a Police Khidmat Centre, public toilets, and kiosks, to clear space for construction.
They may remove more than 315 additional kiosks and several other buildings in the coming days. This has alarmed small traders, many of whom say they risk losing their only source of income amid high inflation.
Affected kiosk owners have appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to allocate alternative spaces so they can continue their businesses. Their main concern is that, although the project may improve traffic, it could impose a high economic cost on small vendors.
PML-N MPA Raja Shauket Aziz Bhatti has also raised the issue in the Punjab Assembly through an adjournment motion. While supporting the underpass project, he urged the provincial government to provide land for the reconstruction of kiosks and small shops so displaced traders can protect their livelihoods with dignity.
Authorities have already advertised the bidding process for the construction contract. This shows that the project has moved beyond the approval stage and into formal procurement.
Once completed, the scheme could become a major traffic intervention for Gujar Khan, particularly if it succeeds in easing congestion and improving safety on GT Road while also addressing the concerns of affected shopkeepers.
