ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority has made a major policy shift by reversing its decision to hire private consultants through open competition for three key infrastructure projects and opting instead to engage government owned firms for their execution.

The move affects three major schemes including the Kashmir Chowk underpass, expansion and rehabilitation of the Expressway Service Road East and the long delayed 11th Avenue project. Officials said the earlier bidding process was halted after technical evaluations, with financial bids left unopened before the authority changed direction.

Under the revised plan, government backed consulting firms will now submit financial proposals for the projects under public procurement provisions. Officials say the decision is aimed at securing stronger institutional expertise for fast tracking design and implementation of these critical development works.

The projects carry major significance for Islamabad’s traffic and urban growth. The nine kilometre service road upgrade is expected to ease commuter hardships along one of the capital’s most congested corridors, while the Kashmir Chowk underpass is being seen as a major intervention to reduce bottlenecks near Islamabad Club.

The 11th Avenue project also remains a strategic link long awaited by residents, with its broader alignment envisioned to connect major sectors and strengthen east west connectivity. The revival of movement on the corridor has renewed attention on delayed road infrastructure priorities in the capital.

However, the shift has also reignited debate over other stalled schemes, particularly 10th Avenue, where funding shortages have slowed progress for nearly a year. With multiple flagship projects hanging in balance, pressure is mounting on the CDA to translate planning decisions into visible on ground progress.