ISLAMABAD: Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Sohail Ashraf visited and conducted a detailed inspection of the project for the upgradation and modernization of existing traffic signals and pedestrian (pelican) crossings in Islamabad.
While giving a detailed briefing to Chairman CDA Sohail Ashraf on the upgradation of the existing traffic signal system and pelican crossings in Islamabad, relevant officers said that under this project, modern and state-of-the-art 35 traffic signal intersections and 18 pedestrian (pelican) crossings will be installed and upgraded in Islamabad. During the briefing, he was informed that the purpose of this project is to further improve traffic flow and to make the road crossing process safer and easier for pedestrians. Chairman CDA was informed that civil work on the project for the upgradation of existing traffic signal intersections in Islamabad is progressing swiftly.
During the briefing, Chairman CDA was informed that various intersections will be equipped with a modern Pelican system for approximately 18 pedestrians. During the briefing, he was informed that the project will be completed this year.
Chairman CDA was informed that according to the details of the work ongoing at various locations under the project, 85 percent of the traffic signal work at Daman-e-Koh Chowk has been completed. This includes the completion of civil work at Khayaban Roundabout/Khyber Chowk and Aabpara Chowk. Similarly, 50 percent of the civil work for the installation of pelican intersection signals at Radio Pakistan Chowk, Faisal Chowk 3 and Pak Secretariat has been completed, while the upgradation of the remaining traffic signals and the work on pedestrian (pelican crossings) is also ongoing.
Chairman CDA directed that all resources be utilized for the timely completion, quality and transparency of the project. He further said that the installation of traffic signals will not only help improve traffic flow in the federal capital Islamabad but will also lead to a significant reduction in traffic accidents.
Meanwhile Sohail Ashraf, accompanied by relevant senior officers, visited the Margalla Avenue N5 to M1 Extension and Sangjani Interchange project and carried out a detailed review and inspection of various sections of the project.
While briefing Chairman CDA Sohail Ashraf, it was said that construction activities are continuing vigorously on a 24/7 basis every day at various sections of the project and overall 36 percent of the development works of this project have been completed so far.
During the briefing, Chairman CDA was informed that under this project, work on the extension of the main highway, approximately 2.7 kilometers in length, is continuing swiftly on all sections, while work is also being carried out on the service road connected to the main road.
During the briefing, it was said that the structural work of the underpass included in the Sangjani Interchange project has been completed, and the concrete walls and footing slabs of the underpass have also been completed, while the remaining work, including earthwork and filling work, will also be completed soon.
During the briefing, it was apprised thatthe pile work of the abutments on both sides of the N-5 Interchange Bridge has been completed, while steel fixing and framework work is continuing swiftly. Similarly, the work on four culverts included in this project has been completed, while work on one culvert is ongoing. He was further informed that work is also being carried out swiftly day and night on all the loops and ramps included in the project.
Chairman CDA Sohail Ashraf directed that all obstacles in the way of the project within the stipulated period be removed and said that special attention be paid to quality, speed and transparency in the construction work of the project.
Chairman CDA Sohail Ashraf said that the completion of the project will provide easy access to Islamabad for those traveling within and outside the City, especially citizens coming from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Similarly this project will prove to be a gateway for those coming from other cities. He further said that this project will also improve access to Islamabad International Airport.