The Capital Development Authority (CDA) in Islamabad is accelerating efforts on a wide range of development projects across the city, focusing on infrastructure upgrades, enhanced public services, and sustainable urban planning. These initiatives, discussed in a high-level meeting chaired by CDA Chairman and Islamabad’s Chief Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa, aim to improve quality of life for residents and boost Islamabad’s appeal as a modern metropolis.
Senior CDA officials and department heads attended the meeting, during which progress on key projects was carefully reviewed. These projects include major road interchanges like Shaheen Chowk, Kashmir Chowk, T-Chowk, and Faizabad Interchange, as well as the transformation of the CDA Model Nursery into the ‘Gardina Hub.’ Other priority initiatives encompass the uplift of Pak Secretariat, installation of modern streetlights, improved solid waste management, establishment of a model jail, and renovation of police stations.
Further plans include developing a food street in Blue Area, constructing parking plazas, implementing a cashless system in CDA operations, and launching recreational sites such as a safari park, theme park, cable car, ferris wheels, and dancing fountains. The meeting also addressed the enhancement of digital infrastructure and the beautification of public spaces with digital streamers, decorative lighting, and environmentally friendly plantations across 279 city parks.
Chairman Randhawa stressed the importance of completing all projects within the prescribed timelines, maintaining high standards of quality. He mandated third-party audits for each project to ensure transparency and accountability.
The CDA Chairman highlighted that numerous projects have recently been transferred from the Public Works Department (PWD) to the CDA, but substantial funding is urgently required to complete them. He directed the finance member and the CEO to conduct a detailed financial study of these transferred projects, documenting total costs, funds disbursed, and expenses incurred to date. Comprehensive reports evaluating the status, quality, and progress of each project will be prepared and shared with relevant ministries to formulate effective completion strategies and secure necessary funds.
Additional directives include quickly finalizing the upgrade of the Islamabad Model Jail and the police academy, increasing the number of electric buses and building charging stations, and expediting the feasibility of an electric tram project. The Chairman emphasized fast-tracking the construction of the IT facilitation center and enhancing basic amenities such as sewage pipelines and clean water supply, especially in areas like Sector I-14 and Bani Gala.
Funds generated from recent record auctions of commercial plots and shops will be allocated toward these development activities, improving water supply and environmental projects. The CDA leadership affirmed their commitment to personal oversight, with the Chairman pledging surprise visits to project sites to monitor progress and swiftly address challenges, ensuring Islamabad’s continued growth and modernization.
