ISLAMABAD: The multi-billion-rupee Bhara Kahu bypass, opened to light traffic last year, is still inaccessible for heavy traffic, casting doubt on the efficiency of the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

The Bhara Kahu bypass, initially budgeted at Rs6.5 billion with an additional cost of Rs1.3 billion, was completed last year by the National Logistic Cell (NLC), but is still closed to heavy traffic.

Sources said the civic agency had feared that without installing extra safety measures, particularly towards the left side for traffic coming from Murree, there is a risk of speeding at a curve; therefore, the civic agency first wants to ensure proper safety measures before allowing heavy traffic.

It is relevant to note here that last year, the CDA had announced the expected opening of the road to heavy traffic twice, just to shelve the plan later. The issue also caught the attention of the newly-appointed CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa during his visit to the bypass the other day.

Following his visit, he also chaired a meeting on this issue at CDA headquarters on Wednesday, which was attended by Director General Engineering CDA Habibullah Sheikh, an official from Nespak, officials from the NLC, the Islamabad Traffic Police and officers from the CDA’s engineering wing. The meeting discussed the issue of heavy traffic on the bypass.

Sources said the NLC, which executed the project, stated that they would help the civic body resolve the issue of the particular curve.

Sources said the issue of pending payments was also discussed, and NLC officials told the CDA officials that they completed the project last year, but still, their Rs3 billion payment is pending (Rs1.5 billion in accordance with the first agreement and roughly Rs1.3 billion for additional work approved by a consulting firm of the Punjab government and in principle endorsed by the CDA board).

They pleaded with the CDA to clear their dues. Sources said it was agreed that the NLC would start work soon on safety measures such as installing protection railing and raised studs to reduce traffic speed.

Meanwhile, after the said meeting, CDA issued an official press release, which stated that following the site inspection, the chairman convened a meeting of all stake holders. “The purpose of the meeting was to improve road safety measures, particularly on curves, and ensure stringent safety protocols along the entire bypass before allowing heavy traffic,” it said.

During the meeting, the press release said that Mr Randhawa emphasised the importance of maintaining international quality standards and implementing strict safety measures along the bypass. He underscored the necessity for the project to meet the highest benchmarks without any compromise.

“It is paramount that we ensure the safety of our citizens,” said Chairman Randhawa.

“We must adhere to international quality standards and implement stringent safety measures to safeguard the public,” he further added.

The chairman highlighted the need for all stakeholders to work together to achieve these objectives. He called for the active supervision of the Islamabad Traffic Police to ensure smooth traffic flow and address the concerns of the general public.

The press release said that the Bhara Kahu bypass project is a significant infrastructure development for Islamabad, and Chairman Randhawa reiterated the CDA’s commitment to deliver a project that meets international standards and ensures the safety and convenience of the public.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2024