• Interior minister visits project site
• Directs CDA to make interchange an iconic landmark
• Commuters to get information about electric buses on Google Maps

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday visited Faizabad Interchange to review the traffic flow and the present condition of the infrastructure in the area before start of the work on its remodeling.

The minister directed the officials concerned to ensure an effective traffic management plan so that commuters do not suffer during the construction work which is expected to start soon.

The minister, who was accompanied by Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa, directed the CDA to construct the interchange in a way that it becomes a stunning and iconic landmark.

Highlighting the importance of the remodelling project, which is being carried out after 27 years of the construction of the interchange, Mr Naqvi said the Faizabad Interchange connected Rawalpindi with the federal capital and served as the main entry point to Islamabad.

During his visit, the minister also assessed the current flow of traffic and reviewed ongoing infrastructure conditions. He directed to make the interchange more attractive and decorative lighting be installed to further improve its appearance.

The project for extension of Faizabad Interchange was approved by the interior minister in April this year. The project includes the addition of two new lanes and widening of the current infrastructure aimed at significantly reducing traffic bottlenecks and ensuring a smoother commute for tens of thousands of daily travellers.

The interchange connecting Islamabad Highway and Murree Road was completed in 1998 and serves as a major entry and exit point to Islamabad and Rawalpindi. During protests, long marches and sit-ins in the last few decades, Faizabad remained the centre of focus as the police blocked it with containers.

On May 28, the interior minister along with Minister of State Tallal Chaudhry, had visited the CDA offices to receive a briefing on the proposed development projects in the capital city.

The interior ministers were informed by the CDA officials that tenders had been floated for the repair and improvement work of the Faizabad Interchange and after completing the procedural requirements, work would be awarded to the lowest bidder.

In the same meeting, the participants had approved the designs of Kashmir Chowk and Shaheen Chowk underpasses.

Electric buses on Google map

Meanwhile, the CDA chairman has directed to provide complete information about all electric bus routes, stations and schedules on Google maps so that commuters would benefit more from the environment-friendly travel service.

He issued the directive while chairing a meeting attended by the board members. He said all buses should be visible on Google Maps with their colours and details of stops to make it easier for passengers to identify them and get information about their arrival times.

Mr Randhawa also directed that the payment through debit cards should also be made possible. Moreover, he directed to introduce special packages and discount cards for passengers who want to get weekly, monthly and quarterly cards.

The chairman also directed to introduce special package for daily wagers, students and senior citizens.

He was informed that the electric bus project was running successfully, with ridership exceeding initial estimates, reaching about 95,000.

Mr Randhawa said all possible steps will be taken to make the service at par with international standards. He also directed to identify and introduce more bus routes.

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2025