Latest news with #CapitalDevelopmentAuthority
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Open auction of five paddle courts: CDA generates record Rs7.6m monthly revenue
ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) will generate record Rs7.6 million in monthly revenue through the open auction of five paddle courts across Islamabad, as part of its broader initiative to promote sports and transform the city into a model capital. The development was shared during a meeting chaired by Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa. Senior officials including CDA Board members and directors of key departments attended. The meeting reviewed the progress on Islamabad's beautification plan, activation of the Blue Area food street and parking plaza, expansion of parks, and improvement in solid waste management. It was informed that land has been allocated for 25 football and 25 cricket grounds, along with plans for futsal fields, an indoor cricket facility, and five cricket academies. The chairman approved a dancing fountain for F-9 Park and instructed the installation of modern lighting and upgraded amenities in all parks. He also directed swift execution of projects such as electric buses, cable cars, and urban forestry, and ordered upgrades to major roads and green belts. To support sanitation, the meeting approved procurement of advanced machinery. Chairman Randhawa said CDA is utilising all resources to enhance Islamabad's beauty, livability, and public services. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Newly built Jinnah Square collapses after heavy rain in Islamabad
Listen to article The newly inaugurated Jinnah Square project in the federal capital has come under heavy criticism after a section of the road collapsed during the season's first monsoon rain, exposing serious concerns about construction quality. The road near Serena Chowk caved in just weeks after completion, causing significant traffic disruption and drawing public anger. Rs4.2 billion project was completed in just 84 days and had been hailed by the government as a model of rapid development. 'This is a cruel joke on taxpayers. If a multi-billion-rupee road can't withstand a single spell of rain, it reflects alarming negligence,' said a commuter at the site. The affected section, a loop connecting G-5 to Aabpara, reportedly sank following the rainfall, impeding traffic and raising safety concerns. Construction experts have demanded an independent investigation into the project's structural integrity. Capital Development Authority (CDA) teams began emergency repairs soon after the collapse. However, engineers and citizens alike have expressed serious doubts about the quality and oversight of the construction. The public is now urging Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the CDA chairman to launch an inquiry and hold those responsible for any negligence or malpractice accountable.
Express Tribune
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Metro fare cut sparks funding debate
The recent rollback of the Metro Bus fare from Rs100 to Rs50, following public outcry and the prime minister's intervention, has offered immediate relief to thousands of commuters in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. But behind the applause lies a more complex challenge: how to sustain quality public transport while keeping it affordable for the masses. Initially, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) defended the 100% fare hike as a necessary response to rising fuel and maintenance costs. The aim was to maintain the Metro's standards, cleanliness, punctuality, air conditioning, and consistent service, which many consider superior to other public transport options. However, the sudden doubling of fares triggered backlash from students, daily-wage earners, and elderly citizens who rely on the Metro for their essential travel. "I spend Rs3,000 a month just commuting to work," said Ghulam Abbas, a construction worker. "That's a major hit to my grocery budget." Similarly, schoolgirl Asma shared with this scribe how she considered skipping lunch to manage travel costs. The government ultimately reversed the decision on June 5, reinstating the original Rs50 fare. Commuters welcomed the move, and for many, it reaffirmed faith in responsive governance. But this solution, while popular, raises an important question: can the Metro sustain quality service on its current fare model? Metro drivers, too, expressed concerns, not just about wages, which remained unchanged, but about increasing frustration from both management and passengers. "The fare change came overnight," said driver Zahid Khan. "We didn't get more pay, and now we're blamed when people are angry about delays or crowded buses. From a sustainability standpoint, experts argue that rather than doubling fares in one go, a phased or incremental approach would have been more practical and politically acceptable. "Even a Rs10-20 quarterly increase, spread over time, would be easier for people to absorb and for the authority to justify," noted a senior urban transport planner. While affordability is vital, especially during times of inflation, so is the long-term health of the transit system. A sharp rollback without any adjustment plan may risk underfunding maintenance, delaying upgrades, or cutting services in the future. Already, questions are being raised about whether buses will continue to be as clean, on time, and safe if funding gaps widen. Senior citizens like Rukhsana Bibi, who travel regularly for medical needs, suggested middle-ground solutions. "Maybe there could be concession passes for students, pensioners, and laborers, while others could pay slightly more." Such targeted subsidies could help balance the financial model without punishing the most vulnerable riders. Raziq Ali, who travels daily from Jinnah Garden to Islamabad G-7, and Hasnain Raza, a frequent commuter from Gulberg Greens, both agree that the Metro Bus is an affordable and comfortable option. However, they warned that a sudden 100% fare increase would push many to switch to bikes, which are cheaper but come with safety risks and are uncomfortable in bad weather. A gradual, balanced fare increase, aligned with inflation, fuel costs, and service improvements, can ensure the Metro's long-term sustainability without burdening commuters. This would help maintain vehicle conditions, service quality, and fair employee pay.
Express Tribune
06-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Nurses under probe for seeking Eid bonus
Following the decision to grant an additional basic salary to Capital Development Authority employees from Grade 1 to 16 on the occasion of Eidul Azha, the CDA Chairman has also approved a similar honorarium of one basic salary for all Muslim officers in Grade 17 and above. The decision will apply to contract and daily-wage employees as well, and an official notification has been issued in this regard. Furthermore, CDA Board members, who are on deputation appointments, will also be beneficiary of additional basic salary. Sources reveal that the additional salary payments for all CDA employees and officers on Eidul Azha will cost the authority approximately Rs365.5 million, with Rs235m allocated for employees in Grade 1-16 and Rs30m for officers in Grade 17 and above. It is reported that CDA has become especially lucrative for officers deputed from various departments, particularly board members. More notably, officers deputed to CDA are also allotted plots in Islamabad's D-Block sector after six months of service, despite CDA employees only being eligible for a plot after completing at least 10 years of service. Sources highlight that different eligibility standards exist for permanent CDA employees and those on deputation. This disparity makes CDA postings highly desirable among senior officers from other departments. A senior officer of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) shared an interesting office order, revealing that more than six nurses from Capital Hospital, serving in BS-17 to 19, visited the office of the Member Finance at CDA Headquarters two days ago. The nurses requested that, like employees from BS-1 to 15, they also be granted an additional basic salary as an Eid honorarium. However, instead of their request being considered, the nurses were accused of violating departmental discipline, and a formal departmental inquiry was ordered against them. This action was taken despite the fact that, prior to the issuance of the inquiry order, the CDA had already officially approved the honorarium for all officers in Grade 17 and above. Given this approval, even if the disciplinary action had any basis initially, the acceptance of the nurses' request rendered the inquiry unjustifiable and moot. The CDA Chairman could not be reached for his version despite repeated attempts.
Express Tribune
01-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Electric bus fares go up in capital
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has increased the fares of electric buses in the federal capital. The increase in fares has been implemented formally from Sunday. According to sources, the fares of Orange, Green, Blue lines and electric buses have been revised from Rs50 to Rs100. The decision was taken due to some administrative and financial reasons. Around 90,000 passengers travel on these buses daily, sources said, adding that the CDA will soon introduce a new proposed policy of concession on fares in different categories. Under the proposed policy, separate packages will be given to office workers, students and senior citizens. The proposed concessional packages will be for people travelling on a daily, weekly, fortnightly and monthly basis and for those taking bus cards. Sources further said that work is underway on the proposed concessional packages. Notification of the proposed concessional packages will be issued soon. The authority has increased the fare from Rs50 to Rs100, which will be discounted under daily, weekly, fortnightly and monthly packages. CDA Chairman and Islamabad Chief Commissioner, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, has directed relevant authorities to ensure that comprehensive information, including the complete schedule, arrival, and departure times, of the electric buses operating in the capital is made available on Google Maps. The move aims to help residents conveniently plan their journeys from home.
