CDA asked to chalk out IJP Road expansion project

[Salman]

ISLAMABAD - The Planning Commission has directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to prepare expansion and upgardation project of IJ Principal Road and submit PC-1 of the project to the commission for approval in order to redress the problems faced by citizens on the busiest inter-provincial road.

The IJP Road measuring seven kilometres from Peshawar Road to Fiazabad Flyover was constructed in 2004 but owing to traffic load, potholes were developed at various points and uneven surface cause accidents.

It should be mentioned here that after attack on Marriott Hotel, the Interior Ministry decided to block Kashmir Highway for heavy traffic and resultantly, IJ Principal Road was used for the purpose.

Moreover, IJP Road is link road between Rawalpindi and Islamabad, besides traffic coming from general bus stand, fruit and vegetable market use the same road. It was estimated that over 100,000 vehicles use IJP Road on daily basis.

The route has caved in at different points which contribute to traffic jam during most part of the day and uneven surface results in accidents.

The right of way on both sides of the IJP road was occupied by illegal kiosks, shops and transport adda in connivance with corrupt officials of the civic body.

On the other hand, CDA has not issued any maintenance fund for the road since 2004. The road directorate of the civic body had forwarded the expansion and upgardation of the road to planning wing but the project was in doldrums due red tapism and despite passage of many months planning wing could not issue design which subsequently, hold up formation of PC-1 of the project.

Citizens demanded Chairman CDA Syed Tahir Shahbaz to take keen interest in public welfare projects and ensure early commencement of expansion and upgardation project of IJP Roa