The government acknowledging the critical issue of damaged fencing and outlining steps taken to address these concerns.
In a recent session of the National Assembly, Parliamentary Secretary for Communication Engineer Gul Asghar Khan Baghoor stated that a high-level meeting was convened in February 2025 to specifically tackle the problem of deteriorated safety fencing along these vital transportation arteries. This acknowledgment came in response to a calling attention notice raised by Member National Assembly, Asiya Naz Tanoli, who highlighted the significant safety risks posed by the poor condition of this infrastructure. The concerns raised in the National Assembly underscore the critical role of well-maintained safety fencing in preventing accidents on high-speed corridors like motorways and national highways. Damaged or inadequate fencing can lead to stray animals or errant vehicles entering the carriageway, significantly increasing the risk of collisions and posing a grave danger to commuters. The issue also touches upon the broader need for robust and regularly maintained infrastructure to ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and goods across the country, which is intrinsically linked to economic development and the connectivity of urban and rural centres.
Parliamentary Secretary for Communications, Engineer Gul Asghar Khan Baghoor, provided an update on the actions being taken by the government to rectify the situation. He assured the assembly that concrete steps have been initiated to improve the condition of the fencing. As a specific example, he cited the M-1 Motorway, stating that 100 percent of the targeted fencing repair work in designated areas has now been completed. This progress on the M-1 offers a tangible indication of the government’s commitment to addressing the safety concerns raised. Furthermore, in response to queries regarding the crucial Lahore-Islamabad M-2 Motorway, the Parliamentary Secretary informed the assembly that sufficient funds have been allocated for the necessary repair and maintenance work on this high-traffic corridor. He indicated that substantial progress has already been made, with work completed on most sections of the M-2. Currently, the focus is on addressing specific remaining areas on the M-2 and the M-9 motorways. Engineer Baghoor projected that approximately 30 percent of the work in these remaining sections is expected to be completed within the next six months, suggesting a phased approach to upgrading the safety infrastructure across these key highways.
The urgency of maintaining safe motorway infrastructure was further highlighted by incidents that occurred in the recent past. Approximately four months prior to this assembly session, several sections of major motorways in Punjab, including the M-2, M-3, and M-4, had to be temporarily shut down due to dense fog that severely reduced visibility, underscoring the inherent safety risks associated with compromised infrastructure and adverse weather conditions on high-speed roads. Additionally, in April, the National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) registered a case against a bus driver who was observed driving irresponsibly while counting currency notes near Sial Mor on the M-2 Motorway, illustrating the importance of both infrastructure safety and driver discipline in ensuring safe travel on these corridors. The government’s proactive engagement in addressing the issue of damaged fencing on motorways, as evidenced by the high-level meeting and the allocation of funds for repairs, signals a positive step towards enhancing the safety and reliability of India’s national transportation network. The completion of repair work on the M-1 and the ongoing efforts on the M-2 and M-9 indicate a commitment to improving the commuting experience and reducing the risk of accidents. Continued monitoring and timely maintenance of this critical infrastructure will be essential to ensure the long-term safety and efficiency of these vital links connecting India’s urban and economic centres. The focus on improving motorway safety aligns with the broader goal of creating a more secure and efficient transportation ecosystem that supports economic growth and the well-being of its citizens.
Also Read:BMC Road in Malad Mangroves Gets Legal Clearance for Construction
