By The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has accelerated efforts to address persistent traffic bottlenecks at the Faizabad Interchange, one of Islamabad’s busiest traffic junctions. During a high-level meeting chaired by CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa, officials reviewed three potential design options aimed at providing long-term relief to commuters.
Three Options Under Consideration
According to project consultants, the options include:
- A flyover connecting Captain Karnal Sher Khan Road with the Islamabad Expressway for Lahore-bound traffic.
- A hybrid design combining a flyover and an underpass.
- Construction of additional slip roads to ease congestion.
Among these, the flyover option appears to be the most feasible and is expected to receive approval. The CDA chairman directed the engineering team to finalize the design quickly, ensuring that it also accounts for future traffic growth.
Shift from Previous Plans
Earlier, CDA had allocated Rs. 200 million for expanding existing loops at Faizabad. However, this limited plan has now been shelved in favor of a full-scale remodeling project, which is expected to provide a more comprehensive solution to the interchange’s long-standing issues.
Other Upcoming Infrastructure Projects
The meeting also reviewed progress on two other significant projects:
- Shaheen Chowk underpass
- G.T. Road flyover
Bidding for both projects has been completed, with contracts awarded to a joint venture of Habib Construction Services and ZKB. Officials tentatively plan to launch these projects on September 5, although a one-week delay may occur due to the forecast of heavy rainfall.
A Step Toward Smoother Traffic Flow
The remodeling of Faizabad Interchange is seen as a critical step in reducing daily traffic congestion and improving urban mobility. With Islamabad’s population and vehicle numbers on the rise, the CDA’s focus on long-term infrastructure planning is expected to play a key role in supporting the city’s growth.
