To address the escalating parking challenges faced by motorists in Islamabad, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has unveiled plans to construct two new parking plazas in the city. This decision coincides with the ongoing construction of the Blue Area parking plaza, a project valued at Rs1.3 billion, with a target completion date of September 30th, 2023.
An official from the CDA explained that the Blue Area parking plaza encountered delays primarily due to the presence of a significant nullah and slush, causing the project to deviate from its initial deadline. However, efforts are now in full swing, and there is confidence that the plaza will be completed as scheduled.
Furthermore, Tahir Mahmood, the director of works, revealed that tenders will be issued within the next three days to award contracts for the construction of two additional plazas one located in I-8 Markaz and the other in F-8. He also mentioned that designs for four more plazas have been finalized, and the CDA will soon determine when construction will commence.
The parking issues in the city have been exacerbated by the dwindling availability of parking spaces. Despite previous efforts, including the construction of two underground parking facilities in Jinnah Super Market, these spaces have not been utilized effectively, despite significant financial investments in their construction.
CDA officials have pointed out that the rise in the number of vehicles and insufficient enforcement of bylaws and planning have contributed to the parking predicament. Initially, parking spaces were designed in markets and plazas in proportion to the number of shops.
However, over time, shop owners have altered the layout, increasing the number of shops without corresponding adjustments to parking facilities.
Recognizing this problem, the Islamabad Traffic Police had previously communicated their concerns to the CDA regarding the shortage of parking spaces in Blue Area and other commercial centers, such as F-8 Markaz, in 2016.