Minister of State for Interior Muhammad Talal Chaudhry on Wednesday informed the Senate that the Rs 10 billion Park Road infrastructure project in Islamabad was progressing according to schedule adding that its first phase would likely to be completed in July.
Responding to a Calling Attention Notice moved by Senator Fawzia Arshad regarding the prolonged delay in the completion of the Park Road underpass project, he said work on the project started in March and no delay had occurred. He said the project included an underpass, overhead structure, service roads and other road infrastructure aimed at improving traffic flow and connectivity for residents of the area.
Talal Chaudhry said the first phase comprising the underpass would be completed in July, while the remaining portion of the project would be finalized in August. He said the project was being executed with the cooperation of the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) and the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), which were also managing its financial requirements.
The Minister said the project would facilitate movement between Park Road, Margalla Avenue and adjoining localities, benefiting a large population living in both old and newly developed areas of the capital.
He acknowledged that commuters were facing temporary inconvenience during construction, but said the project would provide long-term benefits by reducing traffic congestion, travel time and fuel consumption.
Talal Chaudhry said environmental impact studies had been carried out before the launch of the project, in line with procedures followed for major infrastructure schemes in Islamabad, and efforts were being made to minimise any impact on green areas.
He said that the project, costing around Rs10 billion, comprised several kilometres of roads along with an underpass and overhead infrastructure, making it one of the major ongoing development projects in the federal capital. Later, the House was adjourned to meet again on Friday, at 5:30 pm.