ISLAMABAD: The commission tasked with revising the master plan of Islamabad was informed on Friday that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) will launch the metro bus service from Peshawar Mor to Islamabad International Airport (IIA) under interim arrangements on March 23.

The commission held a meeting with CDA Chairman Amer Ali Ahmed in the chair. The meeting was informed that the CDA had already placed orders with an international company which will provide the buses in March.

The automated security and command and control system for ticketing will be made operational after six months. However, the commission was told that through a manual security and ticketing system the CDA will start the service on March 23. The CDA will soon open bids for awarding contract for the IT and security system.

Meanwhile, a press release issued by the CDA said besides members of the commission, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on CDA Affairs Ali Nawaz Awan also attended the meeting. It was decided that Mr Awan would be the permanent member of the commission from now.

The CDA management also presented a traffic management plan for Islamabad.

The commission was informed that under the smart traffic management system, non-motorised transport would be promoted in the city. Under this plan, cycling lanes would be provided along all highways to make Islamabad a cycling- and pedestrian-friendly city.

Walkways will be completed and crossings along highways will be marked in addition to elimination of encroachments from roadsides.

In addition to ensuring the installation of road furniture, places will be marked on all highways for road signs for pedestrians. A consultant for the smart traffic management system is also being engaged.

The use of carpool and public transport service would be promoted under the smart traffic management system.

The meeting was informed that two parking plazas will be constructed in Blue Area and one each in F-8 Markaz, F-10 Markaz, G-9 Markaz and in I-8 Markaz for which sites have been allotted.

In addition, spaces will be allocated in the city to further improve the parking system. In addition, an efficient parking system and culture will be promoted in Islamabad.

The meeting was also informed that work on a bus service in the capital had been started and in the pilot phase the service would be launched on three routes - Soan Garden to Faisal Masjid, Bhara Kahu to Faiz Ahmed Faiz Metro Station and Tarnol Railway Station to N5 Metro Bus Station.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2022