Kashmir Highway opens for traffic

[Salman]

Kashmir Highway opens for traffic

Islamabad: The financial year 2014-2015 is ending on a happy note for the Capital Development Authority (CDA), as the much-awaited completion of expansion and rehabilitation of Kashmir Highway has almost been accomplished with the opening of main highway for traffic.

The major part of the project has been executed during last six months due to the efforts and keen interest taken by the current CDA management.

The 8.5 kilometres long five-lane Kashmir Highway with two rigid and five flexible lanes has been completed with a revised cost of Rs4.2 billion. Both the federal government and the CDA have equally shared the cost of the project.

In order to ensure completion of the project by June 30, the CDA spent Rs1.4 billion which were due against the federal government from its own kitty. However, the federal government would pay this amount to the CDA from the head of the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the financial year starting on July 1, 2014.

“I can reach my destination in 10 to 15 minutes instead of 30 minutes after opening of Kashmir Highway for traffic a few days back,” said a motorist.

CDA Chairman Maroof Afzal, Member Administration Aamir Ahmed Ali and Member Engineering Shahid Sohail prominently figured in accomplishing the task, which could not be completed during last three years due to lack of funds and other reasons.

The official sources, however, said that it was CDA member administration who acted as driving force in bringing the project on fast track. Member Engineering Shahid Sohail was alsogiven the task of keeping two contractors of the project on their toes.A senior official of the CDA contacted by ‘The News’ said that Kashmir Highway has been opened for traffic. However, the remaing work on two railway bridges would take two weeks.