Sanat Nagar Flyover report by Ziraat Times has missed other details

By: Er. Saleem Hassan

This is in reference to the recent report published by your esteemed publication “Sanat Nagar Flyover: Oops! Transmission tower makes the bridge too far!” dated 12 April, 2025 by Naveed Sheikh and Ambreen Khan regarding the delay in the construction of the Sanat Nagar flyover, in which the presence of a “33kV transmission line” was cited as a major bottleneck.

I would like to clarify the following points for the information of the public and to set the record straight:

Firstly, the transmission line in question is not 33kV as reported, but a 132kV line. The report needs correction on this technical fact.

Secondly, this transmission line is not a hindrance to the ongoing flyover work. The concerned R&B Department (Project Construction Circle-Ist) has already been informed that they may proceed with the construction work in the affected stretch. If required, the Power Development Department is  fully prepared to undertake the destringing or dismantling of the said transmission line to facilitate the project.

Thirdly, the real cause of delay in the project lies elsewhere. The construction work is progressing at a sluggish pace because the contractor is facing shortage of raw material, reportedly due to unresolved issues with certain departments. (It appears that there may be pending matters that have not been sorted out.)

Fourthly, out of the three required transmission towers, land for two towers has not yet been acquired by the R&B/Revenue authorities. Despite this, PDD has proactively started the construction of tower foundations by engaging directly with landowners on a personal level to avoid further delay.

Lastly, it is unfortunate that such misleading narratives are being circulated—possibly at the behest of the civil contractor, who appears to be seeking an extension by shifting blame. This seems to be an attempt to evade accountability and avoid penalties for not completing the project within the agreed timeline.

I urge Ziraat Times, which is known for its professionalism and high standards of journalism, to verify facts on such issues with the concerned departments before publishing reports that may misinform the public and deflect attention from the actual issues on ground. Thank you.