Islamabad’s Light Rail Transit (LRT) system is going to be implemented by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to help with the city’s expanding transportation demands.
The CDA Planning Department has approached the EAD in an effort to secure funding from the ADB, JICA, and other similar organisations. For this project, the Planning Wing developed an initial proposal; however, high-ranking officers have recommended hiring a consultant to do a thorough feasibility study.
Four possible paths were found after preliminary research.
- On Islamabad Motorway and Faisal Avenue, Rawat is 30.5 kilometres from the Faisal Mosque.
- Pakistan Monument is located on Srinagar Highway, 13.7 kilometres from N5, also known as G.T road.
- The distance from Rawat’s T-Chowk to No. 26 on GT route is 27.5 km.
- It’s 10.4 kilometres from Pirwadhai to Faizabad through the IJP road.
The existing railway track in Islamabad, which carries Pakistan Railways’ (PR) primary traffic, was evaluated by city planners, but was ultimately rejected due to its one-sided nature.
The rail service is uncertain
While the planning department got a head start on preparations, reliable sources say it will be difficult to see the project through because of the high cost and the need for political stability.
Work on the traffic engineering for this project has begun, according to Waseem Hayat Bajwa, a member of the CDA’s Planning and Design Department. He expressed optimism that they would be successful in securing funding for the project through the Economic Affairs Division, as it would be beneficial to Islamabad.
Long-distance rail transit (LRT) utilises dedicated rail corridors powered by electric trains. Islamabad’s municipal administrators have decided to implement LRT in response to the city’s excessive traffic in an effort to improve the quality of life for residents of the twin cities.
To read our article about “CDA clear to give IJP Road in Islamabad a new name in 2023” click here.
