Islamabad: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has approved a series of major development initiatives aimed at easing traffic congestion and enhancing public amenities across the federal capital. The decisions were taken during a high-level meeting held at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) headquarters on Wednesday.
Among the most significant projects is the remodeling and expansion of the Faizabad Interchange — a critical junction connecting Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The approved plan includes the addition of two new lanes and the widening of existing infrastructure, which is expected to improve traffic flow and reduce bottlenecks for thousands of daily commuters.
The meeting also saw the approval of a new 2+2 lane underpass at Faisal Chowk, one of Islamabad’s busiest intersections. The underpass is designed to alleviate congestion and improve traffic efficiency. Minister Naqvi stressed that the project must account for future urban expansion and increased traffic volume.
In a move to address longstanding parking issues in the city’s commercial hub, Naqvi directed the immediate operationalization of the Blue Area Parking Plaza. He also called for the development of a sustainable business model for both the plaza and the upcoming Blue Area Food Street, aimed at ensuring their long-term viability and public benefit.
The Blue Area Parking Plaza is set to offer more than just parking — it will house retail shops, a rooftop restaurant, a cinema, and a playland, turning it into a multipurpose urban space.
Additionally, the CDA has been instructed to identify sites for new parking plazas across Islamabad to accommodate the city’s growing number of vehicles and to support improved traffic management.
Officials also presented plans for a newly designed food street in Blue Area, which will feature pedestrian walkways, food stalls, public seating, and recreational spaces. The development aims to create a vibrant community space for both residents and visitors.
The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry, Interior Secretary Muhammad Khurram Agha, CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, and senior officials from the district administration and CDA Board.
The approved projects mark a significant push toward modernizing Islamabad’s urban infrastructure and improving quality of life in the capital.
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