LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a special review meeting on Punjab Development Programme (PDP), during which a detailed progress report on the upgradation of streets, parks, sewerage and drainage systems in 52 cities was presented.
Authorities concerned briefed her that development work in the first phase of PDP will formally begin on 19th December 2025, while major projects are expected to be completed by 30th June 2026. They apprised her that projects worth Rs166 billion have so far been approved under programme’s first-phase outlay of Rs 304 billion.
The CM was further briefed that 50 tenders have been floated, out of which 10 have been finalized, paving way for the commencement of 10 major projects worth Rs 53.5 billion in a few days.
The CM directed them to prioritize construction and rehabilitation of severely deteriorated neighbourhoods, and stressed the need for timely completion of drainage projects before arrival of monsoon season in order to mitigate urban flooding.
Relevant authorities briefed her that under Punjab Development Programme, 3,497 km of sewerage lines will be laid, 181 km of drainage networks will be developed and 56 new disposal stations will be constructed. They added that 61 existing disposal stations will be upgraded, increasing total water-handling capacity to 2,114 cusecs.
Officials concerned briefed Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif that Phase-I of the program covers 10 cities comprising Burewala, Khanewal, Lalamusa, Mailsi, Sillanwali, Vehari, Attock, Layyah, Alipur and Jaranwala where projects worth Rs 53 billion under PDP will be launched immediately. They added that development work will eventually expand to 43 additional cities where sewerage, drainage, parks and street-rehabilitation projects amounting to Rs 304 billion will be executed.
The chief minister said that the programme would bring visible improvements in urban living standards, and reaffirmed her government’s commitment to “uniform development” across all districts in the province.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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