Long awaited: CDA finally approves rapid bus transit system

New revenue streams on cards, media city proposed in Diplomatic Enclave.

ISLAMABAD:

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) board on Tuesday approved the rapid bus transit system project for commuters in Islamabad. CDA Chairman Engineer Farkhand Iqbal announced this during a visit to the National Press Club.

The CDA chief said that the civic agency will soon kick off work on rapid bus transit system project, which aims to reduce traffic and ease the difficulties of city residents who rely on public transport.

He said that when he took charge, the civic body was facing a historic financial crunch. It had no money to pay employees’ salaries or utility bills, however, “efforts were made to control the situation and now the CDA is able to pay salaries and utility bills”.

Moreover, Iqbal said the Chinese government has offered its assistance to the CDA with a project to supply drinking water free-of-charge to the residents of Islamabad, for which a CDA delegation will be visiting China on April 15.

He said the Arts and Craft Village be made functional “soon”, while adding that the construction of a boundary wall and parking space for Ankara Park is underway and will be open for the public after the construction is completed.

“CDA will generate revenue from these projects to resolve its financial woes,” he said.

Speaking about the upgradation of Islamabad Expressway from Airport Chowk to Rawat, the chairman said that the tender for the Rawat Chowk Toll Plaza will be awarded to a firm which will take responsibility for the construction of the road as well.

After a rent increase, the toll plaza is expected to earn the CDA Rs32.5 million per month.

Meanwhile, to resolve the journalist community’s housing issues, the chairman said that land will be allocated for them in Islamabad, adding that a media city will be constructed inside the Diplomatic Enclave.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 4^th, 2012.