The federal government has reportedly approved Lahore’s Tunnel Boring Project, estimated at Rs49 billion, according to local media report.

The proposal was first reviewed and approved by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) before being sent to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final authorisation.

Sources noted that obtaining CDWP’s clearance was a critical step before securing ECNEC’s endorsement.

The project involves the construction of a major underground sewerage line using tunnel boring technology, extending from Larex Colony to Gulshan-e-Ravi. Funding will be provided through a soft loan from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

The 28-kilometre line will pass through key locations including Shima Pahari, Queens Road, the Punjab Assembly, AG Office, Chauburji, Railway Colony, Sham Nagar, and end at the Gulshan-e-Ravi Disposal Station.

A second route will cover Gulberg, Zafar Ali Road, Shadman, LOS, and Samanabad before merging into Gulshan-e-Ravi.

The project is designed to minimise surface disruption, as no new roads will need to be constructed. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) had earlier secured PC-1 approval and collaborated with an international firm for feasibility studies and project design.