LAHORE: The Lahore Ring Road Authority (LRRA) and the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) completely completed the project on Thursday, welcoming traffic to the Lahore Ring Road SL-3.

CM Naqvi examined the building progress of the 8 kilometers of SL-3, which runs along Multan Road from Adda Plot. He emphasized the project’s importance and Rs16.5 billion worth, saying that it will improve transit options. He thanked everyone who helped make the project a reality and commended their commitment.

The government approved the Lahore Ring Road SL-3 construction earlier this year after the cabinet approved the Rs17.798 billion PC-I. However, since 2016, the project has been beset by legal issues because of the involvement of a real estate agent. Despite delays, the Punjab finance department gave LRRA Rs. 6 billion last year to start official work on SL-3 with further financing pledges.

From Adda Plot on Raiwind Road to Maraka on Multan Road, via Bahria Town, Pakistan Medical Society, and some residential settlements, SL-3, which connects to Ring Road SL-4, is an essential route. It is eight kilometers long and has two interchanges, eight bridges, four service road bridges, six subways, twenty-two culverts, and a 24-kilometer drain network. It is also a six-lane dual carriageway.

The project was once envisioned as a public-private cooperation but faced obstacles resulting in a government takeover. The Chief Minister’s commitment to the project ensured its major completion and opening to traffic in 2018, despite legal wrangling and a brief hiatus.

The Lahore Ring Road SL-3 loop has a 100% completion rate for its 8-kilometer span and fully functional interchanges and is now open to drivers, according to an LRRA official. The only allied works still in progress are minor ones that guarantee smooth operation and traffic flow.