Punjab govt to spend Rs59bn on 327 development projects in Lahore

LAHORE: The Punjab government is currently executing 327 development projects in Lahore under the Lahore Development Programme, with a total allocation of Rs59 billion. These initiatives focus on the large-scale rehabilitation of roads, streets, sewerage, and drainage systems across the city.

Chairing a review meeting on Friday, Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said that to ensure transparency and uphold construction standards, the government has brought in NESPAK for third-party quality control and monitoring.

Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Rashid Iqbal Nasir, Lahore-based MPAs, and senior government officials were also present during the meeting.

The finance minister described the programme as a flagship initiative of the provincial government aimed at upgrading neglected parts of Lahore that have long lacked basic infrastructure. “This isn’t just about building roads or laying drains. It reflects the chief minister’s vision to offer better living standards and fair development opportunities to every citizen,” he said, adding that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is personally overseeing the project’s progress to ensure timely and effective delivery.

He further noted that strong road infrastructure contributes significantly to economic development and can improve the quality of life for the general public.

During the meeting, Lahore Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza briefed attendees on the programme’s progress. He said that in the first phase, 182 schemes are being rolled out across six zones of the city. These include work on street paving, sewerage upgrades, road repair, and improvements to drainage systems.

According to Business Recorder, in an interactive session, provincial lawmakers shared concerns from their respective constituencies. They urged the government to make sure street vendors are not displaced under anti-encroachment operations and suggested alternative arrangements to protect their livelihoods. They also called for sewerage projects to be carried out in phases, with each scheme completed before starting the next, to reduce inconvenience for residents.

Responding to the feedback, the finance minister directed the deputy commissioner to take immediate steps to address the concerns raised. He underlined the government’s commitment to ensuring that development is inclusive, efficient, and completed without delays.

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