On the occasion of Independence Day, a remarkable achievement has been made through a successful PPP venture. The grand inauguration marked the operationalization of 'Dualization of Sheikhupura Gujranwala Road' project, which serves as a critical linkage between two major urban cities of Punjab. A significant highlight is its intersection with the Lahore-Islamabad motorway M-2, positioned just 4 km from Sheikhupura. This strategic alignment has dramatically reduced travel time between Sheikhupura and Gujranwala to a mere 26 minutes. The distinguished Chief Guest for the ceremony was the Honorable Chief Minister of Punjab, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, who graced the event on August 14, 2023.
This expansive road project spans a length of 43.4 km, commencing from the M-2 Sheikhupura interchange and culminating at Khiyali bypass in Gujranwala. This comprehensive undertaking includes the construction of 08 bridges and 2 toll plazas, strategically situated, with one in each district. The government's contribution, manifested in the provision of an encumbrance-free Right of Way (ROW) in facilitating the project's smooth progress. The project lacks any financial backing from the government and model is based on revenue-sharing with the government.
The remarkable contributions of Punjab PPP Authority (P4A) in this project are evident in their effective resolution of challenges faced by the private party during project execution. P4A's Appraisal & Quality Assurance Wing has played a pivotal role in resolving issues by taking up matters with DC Gujranwala and Sheikhupura district respectively. The efforts have successfully addressed various obstacles, including the removal of stay orders, the resolution of disruptions caused by local residents at multiple sites, such as carriageways and weigh bridges, and the relocation of utility services like electricity, telephone poles, and high-pressure gas pipelines (SNGPL). Additionally, the strategic relocation of mosques, government offices, schools, and madrasas to different sites has resulted in the provision of encumbrance free ROW.
The CEO of P4A Mr. Iqbal Hussain lauded this accomplishment a major milestone, recognizing the collective dedication of various government departments in making it a reality. He viewed that completion of the 'Dualization of Sheikhupura Gujranwala Road' stands as a significant achievement, showcasing the prowess of PPPs. This transformative infrastructure initiative not only strengthens connectivity but also sets a promising precedent for future PPP endeavors.
