Gujar Khan: The Punjab government is reevaluating its infrastructure strategy, considering a shift from the originally planned 128-km dual-carriageway between Jhelum and Lillah to a single-carriageway construction. This move represents a significant alteration to the development plans previously approved.

According to Zameen.Com, Deputy Commissioner Jhelum, Syedah Ramallah Ali, disclosed the new proposal during the inauguration of a model village in Pind Dadan Khan. She indicated that a revised proposal has been submitted for approval to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The original dual-carriageway project, approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) in 2021, has been under scrutiny due to its stalled progress.

She further stated that the PC-I for the Lillah-Jhelum road has been amended to a single-carriageway and the government plans to allocate funds by December to recommence construction. The entire project is pending review and awaits the Chief Minister’s nod. In response to questions about the usage of the PKR 16 billion allocated in 2021, Deputy Commissioner Ali confirmed that about 25% of the funds had been utilized, although she could not provide an updated cost estimate. She also addressed concerns about the unfinished sections of the dual-carriageway, mentioning that the planning department is tasked with devising a solution for those segments.