Know about Lahore Tunnel Boring Project

A major development has taken place in Lahore’s sewerage and drainage system. The federal government has officially approved the construction of the Tunnel Boring Project, which will cover a 28-kilometer area across the city. The total cost of the project is Rs 49 billion.

This mega project aims to solve flooding and rainwater drainage problems in the city. It is being described as one of the most advanced sewerage projects in Pakistan.

What Is the Tunnel Boring Project?

The project involves building a trenchless underground sewerage system. It will use microtunneling technology to lay trunk sewers deep under the city. These pipes will carry wastewater and rainwater directly to the Ravi River, where it can later be treated.

The main purpose of this system is to stop water from accumulating on roads during heavy rain. It will also help improve Lahore’s sanitation and public health.

Where Will the Tunnel Be Laid?

The tunnel will begin in Larex Colony and travel through many key locations in Lahore. The route includes:

• Shima Pahari

• Queens Road

• Punjab Assembly

• AG Office

• Chauburji

• Railway Colony

• Sham Nagar

• Gulshan-e-Ravi Dispotal Station

On another route, the project will also pass through:

• Gulberg

• Zafar Ali Road

• Shadman

• LOS

• Samanabad

• Ending again at Gulshan-e-Ravi

The entire tunnel system will cover 28 kilometers. According to officials, the project will not damage any existing roads or buildings. No new roads will be built, and daily life in the city will not be disturbed.

Approval Process and Feasibility

The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) first approved the project in 2019, but it went through a long process of technical design and approval. WASA (Water and Sanitation Agency) worked with a foreign company to create a detailed design and feasibility report.

After years of planning, the final cost of Rs 49 billion was presented again to the CDWP. On Saturday, the CDWP gave its final approval. Now, the project has been forwarded to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final review.

Officials said that getting the approval from CDWP before ECNEC was a major achievement. It took time and hard work, but the effort was worth it.

Importance of the Project

This tunnel-based sewerage system will be the first of its kind in Pakistan. It is expected to protect the city from urban flooding, which has become more frequent in recent years. The project will also modernize Lahore’s outdated sewerage system.

By using modern trenchless technology, the work will be faster, cleaner, and more efficient. Most importantly, it will not disturb traffic or cause large-scale construction on the city’s roads.

Construction is expected to start soon after ECNEC gives the final go-ahead.