The construction of the Azadi Interchange, popularly referred to as the Azadi Chowk Flyover, was completed last month. It was recently opened for traffic just in time for August 14 – Pakistan’s 68th Independence Day. A record milestone. . . Constructed in a record six months at a cost of approximately five billion rupees, the Azadi Chowk Flyover stretches for 2.53 kilometres and is believed to be Pakistan’s signal-free corridor. It is also Pakistan’s only five-ramp flyover, (most flyover in Pakistan usually have a maximum of two ramps) and is accessible via Ahmad Ali Road, Raving Road, Taxali Chowk, Timber Market and Shahdara.
Celebrating Independence Day. . . Several historic landmarks are located along the flyover, including the iconic Allama Iqbal Park which includes Minar-e-Pakistan, Allama Iqbal’s tomb, the Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort. On independence Day, the Park and its adjoining areas are lit up with fairy lights while the sound of popular national songs, including the national anthem, can be heard throughout, as scores of Pakistanis carrying the national flag gather for the Youm-e-Azadi celebrations.
Tantalising Lahori cuisine. . . Of course, no celebration in Pakistan is complete without a feast, and the recently established Fort Road Food Street which is a few minutes’ drive from the Azadi Chow Flyover, offers dishes that include charghas, nihari, siri paya, naan khatais and halwa puri.
The real estate take. . . The azadi flyover runs over Ravi Road, which is considered premium real estate due to the presence of tourist hotspots, hospital, parks and restaurants. Commercial property prices and rentals increase by five to 10% every year. It is it is expected that the value of property along Ravi Road will increase further – by 35 to 50% within the next five years – due to the construction of the Azadi Chowk Flyover.
In a nutshell. . . It is anticipated that approximately 200,000 vehicles will be driven over the Azadi Chowk Flyover every day, which will result in a substantial decrease in traffic jams in Lahore, as will as reduce fuel consumption amounting to approximately nine million rupees every year.
By Moneeza Burney