ISLAMABAD, Mar 04 (APP):The Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Wednesday reviewed the progress and planning of several development projects in the federal capital during a meeting chaired by CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa at the authority’s headquarters.
The meeting was attended by Member Administration and Estate Talat Mehmood, Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza, Member Finance Tahir Naeem, Member Planning and Design Dr Khalid Hafiz, along with director generals, project directors and other senior officials.
Officials briefed the meeting on the proposed Kashmir Chowk underpass project, informing participants that the tendering process would be completed soon. The process of appointing consultants for the project is also under way.
Randhawa directed officials to ensure strict adherence to timelines for the implementation of the Kashmir Chowk underpass project.
The meeting also reviewed the project for the extension of Margalla Avenue from N-5 to the M-1 motorway within Islamabad Capital Territory limits.
Officials said the tendering process for the project was being finalised and the work award would be issued shortly, after which the groundbreaking ceremony would be held.
Under the project, one loop and two underpasses will also be constructed.
The CDA chairman emphasised that both quality and speed of work must be ensured during the execution of the project.
The meeting also discussed the plan to widen Attaturk Avenue.
Randhawa directed that permanent decorative lighting and digital boards be installed along the road. He also instructed officials to undertake horticulture and landscaping work and construct a cycle track on the avenue.
The CDA chairman further directed that environmental impact assessments (EIA) be made mandatory for all development projects.
Regarding the construction of the Pandorian Model Graveyard, officials informed the meeting that the design of the project had been finalised.
The project will include a boundary wall, parking area, office, ablution facilities, funeral hall, mosque and electric hearses.
Officials also said that work would be carried out to expand the access road from Lehtrar Road to the graveyard.
Randhawa directed authorities to further widen the main internal road of the graveyard and ensure access from both Park Road and Lehtrar Road. He also instructed officials to develop alternative parking facilities at the site.
The meeting was also briefed on the proposed Islamabad Expressway Service Road East project, which will extend approximately 9.5 kilometres. Officials said the process of appointing a consultant for the project had already been initiated.
Randhawa directed officials to submit timelines for the early commencement of construction work on all projects, warning that delays would not be tolerated.
He said that while ensuring timely completion of development projects, maintaining high standards and quality must remain a priority.
“The development of Islamabad’s infrastructure and provision of better facilities for citizens are among our top priorities,” he said, adding that all available resources were being utilised to achieve these objectives.