Islamabad: CDA working to finalise designs of four underpasses

[Naveed Yaseen]

* Youth to be involved in development of new projects, to seek fresh ideas

By Fazal Sher

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) has started work to finalise designs of four interchanges/underpasses to be constructed on avenues and highways of the federal capital in the next financial year.

These projects include construction of an interchange on 9th Avenue at intersection of Kashmir Highway, an underpass on 9th Avenue at intersection of Jinnah Avenue, underpass on 9th Avenue at intersection of IJ Principal Road and an interchange to link 7th Avenue with Kashmir Highway, a senior official of CDA told Daily Times on Tuesday.

He said the authority would hire consultant to prepare and complete designs of four underpasses in the current year. The authority will start the construction work of these underpasses in the next financial year, he said. Four to six interchanges and underpasses would be constructed on upcoming projects of 6th, 10th and 11th avenues, he added.

CDA would start work on these projects in next financial year, as currently the CDA is facing sever financial problems, said the official, adding, the high-ups have decided that funds would be released only for the ongoing projects.

He said different projects including construction of Zero Point Interchange, Dualisation of Lethrar Road, up-gradation of F-9 Park, construction of Lake View Park phase-II, Development of D-12 and construction of Cultural Complex at Shakarparian might get delayed due to fund shortage. The authority has also shelved projects including construction of 11th avenue, launch of Rapid Mass Transit System and construction of CDA Headquarters, he added.

New projects: CDA Chairman Imtiaz Inayat Elahi on Tuesday said CDA would involve the youths in developing new projects to seek fresh and original ideas.

Elahi was addressing a ceremony to distribute prizes among winners of a competition of themes to beautify the federal capital with new construction projects.

CDA has plans to beautify some of its newly constructed projects by inviting the young architects of future for a competition to contribute their imaginary themes, he said, adding, this will not only provide face lifting of the projects but also serve as a permanent feature of these landmarks.

The CDA has shown confidence in the new generation and has organised a competition among the young architects of COMSATS Institute for making images to add aesthetic value to the construction of the underpass and flyover at the intersection of Faisal Avenue and Jinnah Avenue Islamabad. A jury comprising CDA board members, COMSATS officials and panel of well-known architects after having detailed scrutiny of various proposals, selected the most feasible mural for the purpose.

Elahi awarded cash prizes in recognition and appreciation of the efforts made by the young architects to augment their enthusiasm and interest in their respective fields.

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