Modern project, old practices

A flyover is currently being constructed to facilitate travel for the people of Dera Ismail Khan in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. While the ongoing construction work at Tank Adda and Old Sabzi Mandi highlights major infrastructural development, traffic congestion in the area has severely worsened. Heavy construction activities — including the use of transit mixers, concrete pumps and girder launching — combined with a complete lack of diversions, poor signage, inadequate traffic plans and deteriorating road conditions, frequently result in total road closures. Consequently, it has become nearly impossible for the public and emergency ambulances to use these routes. A state-of-the-art construction project demands state-of-the-art safety practices. This includes clear diversions, visible signage, proper barricading and robust traffic management plans. Without these measures, the public bears the cost through delayed travel, increased risks and unsafe work zones. While Pakistan possesses capable engineers and strict standards, on-site implementation too often falls short. Ensuring proper safety measures and organised traffic control would allow infrastructure projects to meet their development goals without sacrificing public safety or convenience. Engr Shahid Ullah Khan Islamabad