CDA again fails to meet deadline for completion of ZPI project

Contrary to the claims, Capital Development Authority (CDA) has again failed to meet the deadline for formal opening of the much-awaited Zero Point Interchange (ZPI) project, costing billions of rupees. The CDA had launched the mega project in September 2008 to resolve the traffic problems with clear announcement to complete it by September 2010, but the authority despite giving frequent deadlines failed to complete the project till day.
The Zero Point Interchange is the cluster of flyovers and roads being built adjacent to Zero Point on one side and Islamabad Expressway on the other. The project contract was awarded to a construction company with the estimated cost of Rs 2.33 billion. The construction cost of the project became almost double by mounting to Rs 4.148 billion, sources in CDA said, adding that the project original cost increased owing to delays and rise in the cost of construction material.
They further said that CDA had given the deadline of April 30 but unfortunately, the work on the project could not be completed. They said that project was delayed due inclusion of two loops including National Monument-loop down towards Islamabad Expressway from Kashmir Highway and another loop from Peshawar Morr towards Convention Center on Kashmir Highway.
When contacted, CDA spokesman Ramzan Sajid said ZPI had been completed and it would be inaugurated formally before the budget. "We have sent a summary to Prime Minister's Secretariat for formal inauguration of over a dozen projects and are waiting for a final nod," Ramzan said.
About the additional cost, he said that more loops and roads were included in the project. He said that a road from Peshawar Mor to Zero Point and from Zero Point to 7th avenue has been included in the project. These additional roads cost Rs 440 million. He told that the road from Peshawar Mor to G.T road was also included in the ZPI project, besides Khayaban-e-Soharwardi and Islamabad Monument loops, which increased the total cost of the project.
Ramzan Sajid said that CDA was also mulling over landscaping of ZPI, which will cost Rs 120 million. However, he said that landscaping was not included in the project, adding it has been proposed and included now for the beautification. He was optimistic that ZPI project would be completed till the outset of June, 2011 and before the annual budget of the authority.