CDA chairman orders faster work on Islamabad Expressway East project

Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Friday inspected the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East Project

ISLAMABAD: Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Friday inspected the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East Project and directed the relevant departments to speed up construction while maintaining strict quality and safety standards.

During the field visit, the Project Director briefed the CDA chairman on the progress of the project, ongoing construction activities and the upcoming phases of development. The Assistant Deputy Commissioner (General), concerned Assistant Commissioner and senior CDA officials were also present.

The chairman instructed the Project Director and other relevant formations to accelerate the pace of construction and ensure that the project is completed within the timeframe. He said the Expressway East project was an important infrastructure initiative that would improve connectivity, enhance traffic movement and increase road capacity in the federal capital.

He further directed officials to follow the approved designs and construction specifications without deviation. He also stressed regular field inspections, effective quality-control measures and proper traffic management during construction to minimise difficulties for commuters.

During the inspection, the chairman was also briefed on an ongoing enforcement operation against illegal, unauthorised and non-conforming structures along the Islamabad Expressway East.

The enforcement operation is being conducted by the CDA’s Building Control Section and Enforcement Directorate in coordination with the District Administration and Islamabad Police.

According to the CDA, authorities have identified 377 structures requiring enforcement action, including 281 commercial structures. Of these, 58 structures have already been sealed. Thirty-four of the sealed structures are located along the Sohan-Iqbal Town stretch, while another 24 are situated between Korang Bridge and Korang Police Station towards Gulberg Greens.

Officials further informed the chairman that 124 structures have been earmarked for demolition between Soan and Khanna Pull. Demolition work has already commenced in the area as part of the enforcement campaign.

The violations identified by the authorities include unauthorised construction, non-conforming land use, construction carried out without the required approvals and failure to comply with mandatory fire-safety regulations.

The CDA said notices were issued to the owners and occupants of the affected properties. Enforcement action was subsequently taken against those who failed to address the violations within the prescribed period.

The enforcement campaign has also resulted in substantial financial recovery. According to officials, the CDA has so far collected Rs234.685 million through land-use conversion fees, charges imposed for construction without approval and de-sealing fees.

Officials said an additional amount of approximately Rs3 billion remains recoverable under applicable CDA by-laws. The outstanding amount relates to land-conversion charges, unauthorised construction and violations involving setbacks, floor area ratio (FAR) and covered area.

The CDA chairman directed the concerned formations to continue enforcement without interruption and ensure strict implementation of building-control and land-use regulations. He particularly emphasised compliance with fire-safety requirements and said unauthorised or non-conforming activities would not be allowed to undermine planned development along the Expressway.

The CDA maintained that development, beautification and enforcement activities would continue alongside infrastructure projects to improve public facilities and traffic conditions in Islamabad.

The authority also reaffirmed its commitment to completing development projects at a faster pace while ensuring quality construction and providing modern, safe and properly planned infrastructure for residents and commuters.