ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Monday directed speedy completion of two ongoing development projects on Islamabad Expressway.

Currently, work on the PWD underpass and expansion of Korang bridge is in progress and as per their set deadlines the underpass will be completed in July and expansion of the bridge in December this year.

A press release issued by the CDA said the civic agency had written a letter to Wapda and SNGPL to shift pipelines of 16 inches from the sites for ensuring timely completion of the projects.

“The administration of CDA is making all efforts to complete the ongoing projects despite the third wave of coronavirus pandemic,” said the press release.

It said special attention was being paid on restoration of road infrastructure, construction of new roads, avenues, ways and bridges.

“Two more lanes will be added to the expressway from Koral till T. Chowk.”

It said the pace of ongoing work on the PWD underpass had been increased. The project will be completed soon. More than 50pc work on Korang bridge has been completed. Work on slip-overs is also underway to deal with the rush of traffic.

A letter has been written to railway officials for the extension of the railway bridge. Railway officials have assured the CDA to complete the work on the bridge very soon.

The PWD underpass project was supposed to be completed in May, but due to a change in its design the CDA extended the scope of work by around 10pc. Now, this project will be completed in July. Earlier, in last July the CDA had awarded the contract against Rs428 million - 19pc less than the estimated cost.

Meanwhile, the CDA said it is making efforts to get Rs500 funds from the federal government to start expansion of the expressway from Koral to GT Road.

“We have written a letter to the federal government for Rs500 million to expand the expressway from Koral to GT Road,” said an officer of the CDA. He said the civic agency was hopeful that soon thegovernment will release the required funds.

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2021