Funds required for completion of Shahbazpur Bridge linking Gujrat, Sialkot.

Gujrat: The development work on the Shahbazpur bridge (termed ‘economic corridor’ by the locals) over the River Chenab has been inordinately stalled because of a paucity of funds, according to news sources.

The project was launched to link Gujrat with Sialkot airport, and further connect to the Sialkot-Lahore motorway. However, the approach road from the Sialkot side has still to be completed.

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The project was launched three years ago with an estimated budget of PKR 4.77 billion.  Up until June 2018, 90% of the development work had already been completed. However, the contractors of the venture (the National Logistics Cell), and local businessmen, have been awaiting funds required to finish the project for 18 months.

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The project now requires a sum of one billion rupees, which was original to be released by the Punjab government. The bridge requires some final work before it can be opened for traffic. It is expected that the bridge will greatly benefit both Gujrat and Sialkot districts.

The officials of the chambers of commerce and industry of both Sialkot and Gujrat have urged the provincial government to release the remaining capital to finalize the project.