Four firms shortlisted for cable car project

ISLAMABAD:

City managers are hopeful that by the end of April 2014, cable cars will be running up and down the Margallas.

The chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Thursday approved the first step towards this effect when he short listed four international firms, of which two are from Switzerland, which had earlier expressed interest to carry out the feasibility study and provide consultancy for the project.

The shortlisted firms have formed joint ventures with different national firms.

These firms were shortlisted by a nine-member technical committee comprising CDA board members for environment, Engineering, and Planning, the Estate Management DG, and others.

CDA received expressions of interest from five firms. “Out of the five, one consortium has been dropped as it did not match out conditions,” said an official of the authority.

The consortiums include Swiss-based CG and Out Door Engineering, French-based Systra and Engineering Consultant, Italy-based Dimension Engineering and Tariq & Saeed Associates, and Swiss-based Cable Car Consultants and Nespak.

The Swiss-based CG has recently undertaken a feasibility study for a cable car project being launched by the AJK government.

“After issuing a request for proposals to the shortlisted firms, they will be asked to submit technical and financial proposals,” said the official, adding the consortium scoring highest marks in the technical proposal and filing the lowest bid would be selected as a consultant.

The cable car project also includes installation of a 220-feet-high Ferris wheel at Lake View Park.

“The project will be executed on design, build, operate and transfer (DBOT) basis,” the official added. Earlier, on August 23, 2013, the CDA board had approved the project in principal.

Though starting and culmination points of the cable car would be determined upon completion of feasibility study, concerned officials believe the route starting from Marghazar Zoo at the foothills of Margallas to Makhiala Peak near Pir Sohawa village is the most feasible.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 1^st, 2013.