THE overhead bridge built recently at Athal Chowk, Bhara Kahu, Islamabad, has very little use mostly because of its height. It has 76 steps at one end of Kiani Road to cross the busy Murree Road toward the other end, i.e.

Simli Road side. It has extraordinary height and demands great energy to benefit. What is needed is to reduce its height to the height of ordinary buses and trucks, and the open space available at both ends may be improved for for use in emergency.

It is also proposed to build the underground subways with shops at Athal Chowk and Abbasi Hotel sites for the benefit of the inhabitants of these areas. These underground subways should be sustainable, regularly cleaned by shopowners while the rent would be an extra source of income for union councils.

Dr Habib Gul

Bhara Kahu, Islamabad

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2017