LAHORE: Punjab Housing Minister Bilal Yasin has said that the number of tourists and devotees is expected to increase significantly after the completion of the Data Darbar and Bhati Chowk Expansion Project. He expressed these views during his visit to the project site here on Saturday. On this occasion, he reviewed the ongoing development works. Officials from the Punjab Auqaf Department, Lahore Development Authority, Metropolitan Corporation Lahore, Traffic Police, and local notables were also present. Traffic Engineering and Planning Agency Chief Engineer Iqrar Hussain gave a detailed briefing on the progress of this project. The minister was informed about the removal of the existing road in front of the shrine and the construction of new pedestrian pathways. Yasin further said that widening and beautification of roads in an area under severe traffic pressure once seemed impossible. He stated that the Punjab Chief Minister has taken a historic initiative for the restoration and beautification of the Walled City of Lahore. The Minister also instructed the officials that smooth traffic flow from Bhati Chowk must be ensured at all costs during the development works. On this occasion, he inspected the expansion of the Data Darbar premises and the adjacent land across the road. He directed the authorities to ensure restoration and facilitation of access routes for the convenience of devotees visiting Data Darbar. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025