Punjab CM Announces ‘Diamond Lanes’ for Safer Roads

LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has unveiled an initiative to establish designated "diamond lanes" for motorcycle riders across Lahore’s major roads. This decision, inspired by her recent visit to China, aims to curb the rising number of motorcycle-related accidents and enhance road safety.

During a recent meeting, the CM directed Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb to oversee the implementation of this project. The CM highlighted that head injuries among bikers are a leading cause of fatalities and lifelong disabilities. “Motorcycles are a primary mode of transport for many citizens. We must provide them with safer, secure roads,” she stated.

Pilot Project to Begin on Ferozepur Road

The pilot project will commence on Ferozepur Road, one of Lahore's busiest thoroughfares. Officials, including LDA Director General and Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Athar Waheed, conducted inspections to identify roads suitable for this initiative.

CTO Waheed stated that separate lanes would be allocated exclusively for motorcycles on roads with three or more lanes. These "diamond lanes" will mirror similar designs seen in Chinese cities like Beijing, where motorcycle lanes are distinctly separated from main expressways by wide sidewalks.

Implementation and Enforcement

Special teams from Lahore’s traffic police are working with the LDA and TEPA to finalize a feasibility report. Traffic officers will also educate motorcyclists about using these dedicated lanes. Strict penalties, including heavy fines, will be imposed on vehicles violating these lanes.

“Initially, the project will be rolled out on Ferozepur Road and then expanded to other major roads,” said CTO Waheed.

Anti-Encroachment Drive

The project coincides with a city-wide crackdown on road encroachments. The CTO revealed that 13 specialized teams have been deployed to clear illegal encroachments with support from LDA and other agencies. Monitoring is enhanced through cameras installed in DSP vehicles and integration with the Safe City system.

In addition, the CTO has initiated reforms to eliminate outdated traffic management practices, such as roadside pickets, which often cause unnecessary congestion. Encroachment violators may face arrest under a new policy, though the CTO assured that handcuffs issued to officers would not be used against motorists.

The "diamond lanes" project is poised to transform Lahore’s traffic management, ensuring safer commutes for the city's millions of motorcyclists.