ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority on Tuesday approved the construction of the 7th Avenue interchange and the rehabilitation of I.J. Principal Road as well as the fixing of a portrait of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah along the Islamabad Expressway.

The CDA Development Working Party (DWP) meeting approved the PC-Is for several projects, including the Rs6 billion rehabilitation and expansion of I.J. Principal Road with three flyovers and the Rs2bn construction of the 7th Avenue interchange at the intersection between 7th Avenue and Srinagar Garden Avenue near Aabpara.

Sources said a Rs68m project to construct a portrait of Jinnah was also approved.

A portrait of Jinnah was previously constructed along the Expressway near Koral in 2004. It collapsed due to heavy rainfall a few months ago.

CDA officials said the new portrait will be constructed using two millimetre thick stainless steel sheets with a black powder coating, and the main structure will be cladded with decorative metal sheets. Reinforced concrete walls will also be built to symbolise a fortress, in reference to Rohtas Fort.

The project will take six months to complete. Sources said the DWP also approved the engagement of a consultant for the eastern bypass.

Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2020