Work restarts on long-delayed underpass

CDA tells workers to follow anti-virus SOPs

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) has resumed work on under construction underpass connecting Sector G-7 and Sector G-8 on Faisal Avenue.

Work on the project for construction of under pass was in progress but was stalled due to situation arising out of Covid-19 outbreak and subsequent lockdown. However, after ease in lock down related restrictions, CDA decided to resume work immediately to avoid any delay.

Two underpasses on Shaheed-e-Millat Road to open for traffic soon

Accordingly, construction work is back on Faisal Avenue for the underpass. CDA anyhow has directed that Covid 19 prevention related SOP may be observed in letter and spirit during construction work. CDA started work on construction of overhead pedestrian bridge at Constitution Avenue few days back as well during smart lock down.

In this regard the authority has issued instructions for coordination with Islamabad Traffic Police for implementation of traffic diversion plan devised for ensuring smooth traffic flow on both sides of the Faisal Avenue.

Similarly the authority has issued instructions to properly cordon off the construction area to avoid any unwanted incident.

Construction of underpass at Faisal Avenue is a long awaited public welfare project, which was direly needed to cater for the traffic issues faced by the commuters. On the completion, the project will not only improve the flow of traffic on Faisal Avenue, but will also provide the swift access to the residents of Sector G-7 and G-8. CDA has requested to general public for better cooperation with the Authority and use alternate routes to reach their destinations during the construction on the Sector G-7 / G-8 Faisal Avenue underpass.

Numaish Chowrangi underpass inches closer to inauguration

Faisal Avenue underpass was approved in 2015 but it has not been shown seriousness in implementing this important public welfare project, including development projects. Keeping In view of the importance of public utility projects and to make practical workable possible, the incumbent management of authority has prioritised and reviewed the project and approved the PC-I and further decided to all stalled projects which were stopped from the last so many years.

Last year, after completing all the codal formalities, the CDA-DWP reviewed and approved the project and decided to extend the project’s construction period; however it was emphasised to ensure that the cost of project would not be increased as well as change in location.

Excavation for Sector G-7 underpass starts

In the light of this decision, the incumbent management invited bids through the newspapers and after fulfilment of all codal formalities in the shortest possible time; accordingly, contract was awarded to the lowest bidder firm. While, the approve construction cost of underpass was Rs351 million.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 10^th, 2020.