The construction of new bus stand by Capital Development Authority (CDA) in I-11/4 is still lingering, causing irritation for both the transporters and passengers. According to plan, the CDA had approved construction of bus stands in I-11/4 in 2011, and existing bus terminals at Faizabad, G-9 Markaz and Pirwadhai were to be relocated to the new facility in I-11/4. About 164 kanals land were allocated for the project but work on the project has not yet started.
Adil Naqvi a passenger talking to APP said that the Pirwadhai Bus Stand is overcrowded with busses and passengers. He said the bus stand should be transferred to the new allocated place.
Saqib Ali another passengers said that the Faizabad and Pirwadhai Bus stand have came into the middle of the city, added these bus stands were main factor of traffic rush in the city. The transfer of these stands out of the city, is much important as population of the twin cities have been much increased. Islamabad Transporters and Passengers Welfare Association President told APP, the CDA board approved a plan for bus stand in I-11/4 in 2003.
The transporters had to bear the expenditure of construction while the Directorate of Municipal Administration was responsible for ensuring basic facilities, including drainage system, water supply and security.
He said the civic agency had a change of mind in January 2013 and decided to construct the bus terminal on its own.
He urged the authority to resolve the issue while protecting their businesses, adding that only three bus stands in the Capital have no-objection certificates.
No CDA official was available to comment on the issue.