Punjab Government Resumes Land Acquisition for Gulberg-Babu Sabu Expressway Project in Lahore

The Punjab government has decided to revive the land acquisition process for the Gulberg-Babu Sabu elevated expressway project in Lahore, signaling a renewed commitment to the significant urban infrastructure initiative. 

The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has been instructed to expedite the completion of the project, which was halted in 2017 for various reasons. The project’s cost has significantly increased from PKR 18 billion to PKR 85 billion.

An unnamed LDA officer revealed that the authority had initiated contact with individuals whose land, predominantly comprising houses, was identified for acquisition in 2016 under the Land Acquisition Act. These affected individuals are requested to visit LDA offices or relevant revenue department officers to receive the compensation determined in 2016.

The land acquisition process for the Lahore elevated expressway, covering 801 kanals of land, was initiated in 2016, and the final award under the land acquisition act was announced in 2017. While some individuals received compensation at that time, most rejected it, and those who did receive compensation have yet to hand possession of their land to the government.

In early 2022, the government began reviewing the Gulberg-Babu Sabu Expressway project, but progress was halted due to the dissolution of the government. The revised project cost estimate of PKR 85 billion is being discussed in the Punjab Planning & Development Department. The government has also sought permission from the Election Commission of Pakistan to launch this project.

The responsibility of completing the land acquisition process now falls on the LDA, urging affected individuals to receive compensation and hand over possession of their land to the government. Those who have already received payment but have yet to vacate their properties have been instructed to do so within a specific timeframe.

Muhammad Ali Randhawa, the Lahore Commissioner, and LDA Director General, recently conducted a meeting addressing this matter. He directed relevant officers to expedite the process. He stressed the importance of establishing a streamlined procedure at the LDA, offering a one-window counter to facilitate individuals in receiving compensation for the land they relinquish to the government. 

The Gulberg-Babu Sabu Expressway project is considered a significant development for Lahore, with the potential to be a game-changer for the city.

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