ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has begun work to transform a section of Islamabad’s Blue Area into a car-free pedestrian zone, featuring food outlets, walking streets and digital installations.

The civic agency’s engineering wing has started civil work on the Rs240 million project, stretching from Savour Foods to Khyber Plaza.

The area, facing Jinnah Avenue, will be completely free of vehicles, allowing citizens to stroll, dine and shop in a pedestrian-only environment.

Under the plan, parking facilities for visitors will be arranged in the nearby multi-storey parking plaza, which can accommodate around 950 vehicles and an additional 150 parking spaces will be available in front of Khyber Plaza, facing the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims).

CDA begins Rs240 million project to turn section into car-free zone with food outlets and digital features

According to CDA officials, the pedestrian zone will cover approximately 800 metres, designed as a “walk-and-shop” area.

The initiative is being launched as a pilot project, which will later be replicated in Jinnah Super Market and other commercial areas across the city.

As part of the project, electric carts will be introduced to facilitate the elderly and children.

The CDA also plans to set up food stalls from top chains and install digital screens at the entry and exit points of the pedestrian track to provide entertainment and public information.

“We have started the project, and it will be completed within 45 days,” a CDA official said, adding that the design was finalised after consultation with traders of Blue Area to ensure commercial compatibility.

Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza said the new street would offer residents an enjoyable “walk and shop” experience in the heart of Islamabad.

“This is an ideal place for a food street and family recreation. We aim to complete the entire project, including lighting, within two months,” he said.

He added that the initiative is being undertaken on the direction of the interior minister and CDA chairman for the benefit of city residents.

Currently, Islamabad has only one dedicated food street, the Melody Food Park, which has long struggled to attract visitors due to parking issues. Although the Azerbaijani government recently funded its beautification and maintenance, the area still faces limited parking and operational challenges.

The Melody Food Park was originally established during Kamran Lashari’s tenure as CDA chairman and initially enjoyed strong public interest, which later declined due to poor food quality and inadequate facilities.

Apart from the Blue Area pedestrian street, the CDA also plans to develop Capital Street near Shakarparian, adjacent to the Art and Craft Village, featuring restaurants, art workshops, an expo hall and recreational spaces.

However, development work there has yet to begin despite earlier land auctions.

Published in Dawn, November 10th, 2025