ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has requested the Frontier Work Organisation (FWO) to submit draft PC-I of Bhara Kahu bypass project, as it has been facing inordinate delay.

The delay in the start of this project has been causing unrest among citizens as they suffer traffic congestion in Bhara Kahu area while travelling to Murree and Azad Kashmir.

The 7.8-km-long bypass, which is part of Margalla Road project, has been designed to provide alternative route to commuters to Murree, Galyat and Kashmir. Former prime minister Imran Khan had laid the foundation stone of this project in April last year, but the project is yet to be started.

However, CDA and its contractor FWO have completed over 70 per cent work on the first phase of Margalla Road from Sangjani to sector D-12.

Sources in the civic agency said that draft PC-1 of the phase two, which is known as Bhara Kahu bypass, was being prepared by FWO and whenever they will submit it to CDA, the civic agency after making necessary changes, will present at the Development Working Party meeting for approval.

The CDA’s engineering wing through a letter recently reminded FWO about the draft PC-I and requested it for submission as early as possible.

The letter written by deputy director road said: “ In continuation to above letters, I am directed to state that draft PC-I for the project of Bhara Kahu bypass was sought for perusal and approval of the competent forum, however, the same is still awaited.”

The letter dated June 30 requested that a draft covering the cost of the project should be provided at the earliest.

On the other hand, people of Bhara Kahu and other adjoining area have been awaiting start of much needed project.

Faisal Ali, a resident of Bhara Kahu said work on this project should be initiated on priority basis in greater interest of public.

Former senator Enwar Baig, who is also living in the area, said he was utterly surprised that the CDA constructed metro terminal at Bhara Kahu within 10 days, but the bypass project has been facing inordinate delay.

“We are not against the metro bus projects, but bypass is the need of the hour and this should be started with the same zeal,” he said.

The former senator said this bypass was imperative for local people and tourists travelling from Lahore, Faisalabad and other areas of the country face a nightmare at Bhra Kau bazaar on weekends and holidays, he said.

“I will request Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to get this project constructed on war footing,” he said.

The proposed bypass will start from Malpur area and culminate near Satra Meel on Murree Road.

An official of the engineering wing of CDA said that engineering design, alignment of the bypass had already been finalised by E&C branch and the civic agency will start the project after receiving draft PC-I, which was prepared by E&C branch and FWO.

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had issued directive for starting Bhara Kahu bypass in 2017, however, no practical work was carried out in his tenure.

Last year, the then prime minster Imran Khan laid the foundation stone of the project, which is still waiting to see the light of the day.

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2022