PM orders signal-free highways in capital

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to make both the Kashmir Highway and the adjacent Shahrah-e-Suharwardy in Islamabad signal-free to alleviate the prolonged traffic jams in front of Serena Hotel. To achieve this, the CDA will construct two underpasses on these highways for Rs4.5 billion.

According to sources, the designs for both underpasses have been prepared by National Engineering Services Pakistan (Nespak) and handed over to the CDA’s works department. The plan, known as PC-1, has been sent to the engineering wing of the CDA after a detailed inspection. Consultancy services from Nespak were obtained for this mega project, which has completed the designs of both underpasses.

PM Shehbaz has instructed CDA Chairman and Islamabad Chief Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa to ensure these projects are state-of-the-art. He emphasised that the construction should meet international standards and be completed within six months by working at a high speed.

Sources indicate that the CDA’s annual budget is expected this month, following which contracts for the project will be issued in August, with construction commencing in the same month.