The CDA has scrapped its loop-widening plan for Faizabad Interchange, opting for a full redesign to address traffic jams for the next 30 years.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to completely redesign the Faizabad Interchange instead of only widening its loops, in a bid to permanently address traffic congestion at one of Islamabad’s busiest junctions.
The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa on Friday. Initially, the CDA had invited bids for a Rs. 200 million project to expand the loops of the 1990s-built interchange, which connects Rawalpindi and Islamabad and often serves as a site for political protests.
Although bids were opened, the CDA did not issue work orders. “Widening the loops would only be a temporary fix. We want a long-term solution for the next three decades,” explained CDA Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza.
The authority has now tasked three consultant firms to prepare a master plan for the complete redesign. Once ready, the plan will be presented to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who earlier directed the CDA to remove daily traffic bottlenecks, particularly on the Murree Road to Islamabad Expressway loop.
Construction is expected to be carried out in phases, depending on budget allocations and final design approval.
