Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is set to initiate significant projects aimed at alleviating chronic traffic congestion at two critical junctions: Serena Chowk on Khayaban-i-Suharwardi and PTCL Chowk on 9th Avenue. The news was reported by a source on October 10.
As per details, after the opening of financial bids on Tuesday, the CDA received offers of PKR 4.2 billion for the Serena interchange and PKR 4.1 billion for the PTCL Chowk, paving the way for improved traffic management in the city.
The work on these projects will commence upon the issuance of work orders to the lowest bidders. Out of three firms that submitted technical bids, one was disqualified for failing to meet the stringent criteria established by the CDA. Habib Construction Services secured the contract for the Serena interchange project, while Maakson Engineering Corporation was awarded the PTCL Chowk project. However, both companies’ bids exceeded the original costs outlined in the tender.
Officials disclosed that the notice inviting tender (NIT) cost for the Serena Interchange project was PKR 4.086 billion. The lowest bid of PKR 4.24 billion from Habib Construction Services was 3.9% above the NIT cost. For the PTCL Chowk project, Maakson Engineering Corporation submitted a bid of PKR 4.310 billion, 5.5% above the NIT cost of PKR 3.7 billion, while Habib Construction Services proposed a bid of PKR 4.14 billion, 11% above the NIT cost.
Sources within the CDA emphasised the urgency of these projects, stating that work is expected to commence soon after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conference in Islamabad on October 15 and 16. “We will present the bids to the CDA chairman for formal approval before issuing the work orders; hopefully, work will start this month,” said a CDA deputy director.
Despite the initial excitement, the delay in opening financial bids, over 40 days after the technical bids were opened on August 12: raised concerns about the CDA’s commitment to these projects. However, once initiated, both projects are anticipated to be completed within six months. The selected sites are notorious for causing severe traffic jams, particularly during peak hours.
In response to inquiries regarding the increased costs, a CDA official explained that the project’s design underwent significant changes and additional work was included in the current bid. The civic agency has allocated funds for these projects in its budget for this fiscal year and plans to execute them through its own resources.
