Punjab Completes Rs13.5 Billion Lillah-Jhelum Road After Five Years

The Punjab government has completed the 128-kilometre Lillah-Jhelum Road project, five years after construction began in 2021. The dual carriageway, built at a cost of Rs13.538 billion, connects Pind Dadan Khan with the Lillah Interchange and is expected to significantly improve connectivity for residents of Jhelum and Pind Dadan Khan.

According to officials, the existing road has been widened from 20-24 feet to 76 feet to accommodate higher traffic volumes and ensure smoother movement. The project was divided into five sections to expedite completion, and it includes two bypasses: a 4.2-kilometre bypass around Jalalpur and a 3.98-kilometre bypass around Pind Dadan Khan. Additionally, 185 small bridges have been constructed, with three culverts nearing completion. Paved shoulders have also been added to strengthen the road edges and enhance safety.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif congratulated the Communication and Works (C&W) Department on the achievement and directed officials to accelerate work on the Jhelum-Pind Dadan Khan Road. During a briefing, she was informed about the project's details and its potential to facilitate commuters and support local economic activity.

CM Maryam Nawaz stated that the provincial government is not merely building roads but making history in Punjab's transport infrastructure. She highlighted that the construction, expansion, and rehabilitation of 35,000 kilometres of rural link roads across the province is an unprecedented effort. The improved network is expected to reduce travel time, lower vehicle operating costs, and stimulate trade and tourism in the region.

The completion of the Lillah-Jhelum Road marks a significant milestone in Punjab's infrastructure development, reflecting the government's focus on enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth. Local residents and commuters can look forward to safer and more efficient travel, while businesses anticipate better access to markets and services.