ISLAMABAD: The city managers on Wednesday decided that instead of going for mega bicycle lane project only 10km pilot project should be started along Khayaban-i-Iqbal Road.

In March this year, the CDA had launched a mega project worth a whopping Rs2.8 billion for construction of the dedicated 374km-long bicycle tracks on various roads. However, after completing only 500 metres track, the project was halted.

Now, it seems, the CDA is no more interested in the mega project and wants to have a pilot project of 10km along Khayaban-i-Iqbal (which is commonly known as Margalla Road) from sectors G-5 to F-10.

A press release said CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa chaired a meeting regarding the Islamabad Bicycle Lane Project at the CDA headquarters, which was attended by senior officers from relevant departments.

Quoting the chairman, the press release said the bicycle project will be implemented in a phased manner. He mentioned that activity zones and charging stations for electric bikes will be established within the bicycle track project.

Mr Randhawa emphasised that a key objective of the bicycle lane project was to enhance the beauty of the city, adding that the project will also serve the citizens with an alternative mode of transportation.

He said as part of Phase I, eco-friendly cycling tracks will be developed on Margalla Road, F-6, and Sector G-6 as a pilot project.

Sources said the CDA chairman, during the meeting, directed the engineering wing to come up with new estimates for the 10km track and before starting the project, the estimates should be presented before him for finalisation.

In December last year, CDA’s Development Working Party (CDA-DWP) approved the PC-I worth Rs2.8 billion under which the project was to be completed in two years.

According to PC-I, the CDA will construct designated lanes along Jinnah Avenue and Khayaban-i-Iqbal and all existing service roads and major roads in 26 residential sectors.

The civic agency was supposed to also set up 150 parking lots for bicycles and e-bikes.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2024