CDA speeds up work on Ataturk Avenue

Govt to begin work on signal-free corridor linking twin cities by 2020

ISLAMABAD: With the traffic congestion in the twin cities not improving, the apex civic agency of the federal capital has started accelerating the pace of work on dualising the Ataturk Avenue.

Capital Development Authority (CDA) officials said that work on the project was continuing at a slow pace due to various issues. However, civic body, after removing all impediments has now geared up the construction work.

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The sub-base work on the avenue from Khayaban-e-Soharwardi to the National Data Regulatory Authority (NADRA) Chowk has been completed while bBase and sub-base work on the project continues.

Moreover, base work from Fazal-e-Haq Road to NADRA Chowk has also been accelerated.

Furthermore, the CDA has decided to resolve the pending issue of shifting Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) service lines which were impeding work on the project. These lines are expected to be shifted in the next few days. Once this is complete, base work on the remaining portion of the avenue will be carried out.

Moreover, water supply lines will also have to be shifted to ensure proper implementation of the project.

Instructions have also been issued to repair the damaged water supply lines so that the project could be completed in all respects. Similarly, work on the drainage system is in progress.

Ataturk Avenue is one of the major roads of the federal capital which is utilised by commuters to approach offices located along the avenue.

To maintain uninterrupted traffic flow on the road, instructions have also been issued to make alternative arrangements so that commuters can be facilitated.

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Signal-free corridor

Commuters in the twin cities can heave a sigh of relief as the government has decided to start working on a signal-free corridor linking Rawalpindi and Islamabad from next year.

Confirming the move, Rawalpindi Authority (RDA) Chairman Arif Abbasi stated that around 100,000 vehicles use the Murree Road daily. He added that as part of the project, two underpasses will be built while keeping the underground pillars of the metro bus in view. For this purpose, new design and study of Liaquat Bagh Chowk have also been commissioned.

Law wing revamped

With the civic agency frequently running into issues in various courts, the CDA has decided to revamp its law wing to enhance its performance.

In this regard, the CDA has decided to streamline its working pattern to maximise its output.

All directorates of the authority have been directed to provide information regarding court cases of their respective directorates at the earliest.

Instructions have also been issued to the law wing to ensure timely submission of para-wise comments so that the cases pending in different courts of law could be settled effectively and efficiently.

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Furthermore, entry of unauthorised people including those involved in litigation has also been banned in the wing to avoid a breach of official secrecy.

Cases to all lawyers will be assigned based on their financial worth. Further, the law wing has also been directed to prepare a list of such lawyers who are not actively pursuing cases assigned to them or have less than satisfactory performances so that action can be taken against them accordingly.

(WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM QAISER SHIRAZI)

 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 22nd, 2019.