Park Road likely to be declared as VVIP route

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is likely to declare the Park Road as VVIP route after linking it with Islamabad International Airport and Rawalpindi Cantonment via Islamabad Highway, a source in the CDA told Business Recorder here on Monday.
The CDA has awarded the contract of 8km long dual carriageway Park Road from Rawal Dam Chowk to Tramri Chowk with an estimated cost of Rs 275.5 million to the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) in May last.
The total width of the dual carriageway is about 24 feet with 20 feet median and 9 feet shoulder, the source said.
It was also learnt that the civic authority has started survey of the right plank of the Chak Shahzad Road where plant nurseries are operating to construct an entertainment park or other recreational spots for the beautification of the road.
There are about 14 nurseries alongside the Park Road, which are planned to be removed for the construction of amusement points.
The CDA's directorate of enforcement has already demolished at least 10 shops, which were illegally set up by the locals.
However, owners of the nurseries said they have so far not received any vacation notice.
When the CDA official contacted for comment, he said that they have nothing do with the issue and have acquired space only for the construction of 50 feet road.
The official said that the Park Road would link villages of Islamabad including Lehtrar, Tramri, Alipur Farash and others to urban areas.
Out of total of Rs 270 million, over Rs 150 million have been allocated in the current fiscal, including Rs 9 million for bridges and Rs 15 million for electrification.
The lessees of the Private Plant Nursery Scheme in National Park Area-Chawk Shahzad have severely criticised the CDA's decision.
Last year, the CDA had abolished the lease of nurseries, giving them license status to be renewed on annual basis.
The CDA board took the decision on the expiration of 10-, 20- and 33-year lease, respectively.
While rejecting the board's decision, the lessees on the condition of anonymity told this scribe that the CDA is determined to destroy the mature and developed horticulture atmosphere, which sprung up in more than 30 years.
President General Ayub Khan instructed the CDA to establish Private Nursery Scheme for the promotion of horticulture.