CDA Chairman directs officials to speed up development work, maintain construction quality, and intensify action against unauthorized structures along the Expressway.
ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Lt. (Retd.) Sohail Ashraf has directed officials to accelerate work on the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East Project while ensuring that approved designs and construction standards are strictly followed.
During a field inspection, the CDA chairman reviewed the progress and quality of ongoing development work and received a briefing on completed activities, current works and the next phase of the project.
The chairman directed the project director and relevant CDA departments to speed up construction so the project can be completed within the required timeline without compromising quality.
He said the Islamabad Expressway East Project is an important infrastructure initiative that is expected to improve connectivity, traffic movement and road capacity in the capital.
Focus on quality and traffic management
The CDA chairman instructed officials to maintain continuous field monitoring and quality control throughout construction.
He also directed the concerned teams to ensure effective traffic management so that commuters face minimum disruption while development work continues.
According to the CDA, all construction must remain in line with approved designs and prescribed standards.
377 structures identified for enforcement action
During the inspection, the chairman was also briefed on CDA’s ongoing operation against illegal, unauthorized and non-conforming construction along Islamabad Expressway East.
The operation is being carried out by the CDA Building Control Section and Enforcement Directorate in coordination with the District Administration and Islamabad Police.
The CDA said 377 structures have been identified for enforcement action, including 281 commercial structures.
So far, 58 structures have been sealed. Of these, 34 are located along the Sohan–Iqbal Town stretch, while 24 are situated along the Korang Bridge–Korang Police Station–Gulberg Greens stretch.
The authority also said 124 structures between Soan and Khanna Pull have been earmarked and demarcated for demolition, with demolition activity already underway.
CDA reports Rs234.685 million recovery
According to the authority, the violations include unauthorized construction, non-conforming land use, construction without approval and failure to meet mandatory fire-safety requirements.
The CDA said notices were issued to owners and occupants before enforcement action was taken against those who failed to rectify violations within the prescribed period.
The enforcement operation has so far generated Rs234.685 million through land-use conversion, construction-without-approval and de-sealing charges.
The authority further stated that approximately Rs3 billion remains recoverable under applicable by-laws in connection with land conversion charges, unauthorized construction and violations involving setbacks, floor area ratio (FAR) and covered area.
Strict enforcement ordered
Chairman CDA directed the relevant departments to continue enforcement of building-control and land-use regulations without interruption, with particular attention to mandatory fire-safety requirements.
He reiterated that illegal and non-conforming activities would not be allowed to undermine planned development along Islamabad Expressway.
The CDA has reaffirmed its focus on completing development projects quickly, maintaining construction standards and enforcing planning and building regulations across Islamabad.
