ISLAMABAD: Although it is difficult for the cash-strapped Capital Development Authority (CDA) to execute multi-billion rupees projects, it has shown interest in launching a tram service in the capital.

An official of the CDA told Dawn that a Chinese company, which is working on the Orange Line Train Project in Lahore, gave a detailed presentation to CDA’s Member Planning Asad Mehboob Kayani and transport engineers on Friday, offering its services in the project.

“Our bosses have taken interest in this project, but honestly speaking we don’t have funds for it. An amount of Rs100 billion is required,” the official said.

When contacted, CDA spokesperson Mazhar Hussain said the civic body was planning to initiate welfare projects, “such as bus services on six routes of Islamabad. We are also interested in tram service, subject to availability of funds”.

Replying to a question, he said the meeting with the Chinese firm was for orientation.

“If we move ahead with the project, we can ask the government for funds,” he said.

Another official said this project could only be carried out if it was made part of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as CDA has no funds for such a big project.

Besides, the National Highway Authority (NHA) is planning to expand Islamabad Metro Bus Project from Peshawar Mor to the new airport. Recentl,y the authority sought expression of interest from interested parties to start this project.

Published in Dawn, January 14th, 2017