ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has unveiled an ambitious plan to develop pedestrian-friendly zones in key commercial areas, including sections of Blue Area and Jinnah Super Market. The initiative aims to enhance urban mobility, promote walkability, and create a vibrant shopping and dining experience for residents and visitors.
According to the project proposal, an 800-meter piece of Blue Area from its new parking plaza to Khyber Plaza, including the G-7 and F-7 sectors, will be designated as an exclusive pedestrian route. The civic authorities will build a smooth access system through the electric cart service, which will mostly serve the elderly and children.
According to a CDA official, the new Blue Area parking installation is nearing completion and will soon be operating. “Our parking plaza in Blue Area is in its final stages and will become operational soon. People will park their vehicles in this facility before entering the pedestrian street,” he said. The plaza is designed to accommodate up to 950 vehicles at a time, easing congestion in the area.
Development Phases and Expansion Plans
CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa recently chaired a high-level meeting at the authority’s headquarters, where officials were briefed on the phased development of pedestrian zones. The official highlighted that “the walk-and-shop type pedestrian street would be set up in around 800-metre area from the parking plaza to the Khyber Plaza area. In the first phase, it would be established on Jinnah Avenue side and later on, it will be expanded.”
Additionally, three smaller pedestrian-friendly zones will be developed in Jinnah Super Market, including the Gol Market area. The CDA aims to make these pedestrian zones more engaging by introducing high-quality pathways, food stalls from top restaurant chains, and recreational activities. “During the meeting, a briefing was given on the establishment of pedestrian tracks in Blue Area (G-7/F-7) and setting up of food stalls on weekends,” the official statement read.
The CDA chairman has also directed that “recreational facilities, along with food stalls, should be arranged in the pedestrian area, adding that digital screens be installed at the entry and exit points of the pedestrian track in Blue Area.”
To enhance the aesthetics of the commercial hub, the authority has decided to bring uniformity to shop signboards and install benches and separate trash bins along the pedestrian walkways. “The CDA chief directed that a high-standard cleanliness system should be ensured at all times in these areas,” the statement said, further emphasizing the need for building facades in Blue Area to be improved.
CDA spokesperson Shahid Kiani confirmed that the engineering wing has been tasked with finalizing estimates for the pedestrian tracks. “Pedestrian tracks would be developed with modern and attractive designs,” he said.
When asked about potential concerns from the business community, Mr. Kiani assured that the traders’ community would be consulted throughout the project. “We will take the traders’ community on board for this project. Apparently, they will have no issues as the project would increase visitors to the areas,” he added.
A similar transformation is planned for Jinnah Super Market, where a designated portion will also become a car-free zone. Work on both projects is expected to commence soon.
