Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has started work to transform a section of Islamabad’s Blue Area into a car-free pedestrian zone, featuring food outlets, walking streets, and digital installations.
The Rs240 million (PKR 240 million) project, undertaken by CDA’s engineering wing, will stretch from Savour Foods to Khyber Plaza along Jinnah Avenue. The area will be fully free of vehicles, allowing residents and visitors to stroll, dine, and shop in a pedestrian-only environment.
Parking for visitors will be arranged in a nearby multi-storey parking plaza accommodating around 950 vehicles, with an additional 150 spaces in front of Khyber Plaza near the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). Electric carts will also be introduced to assist the elderly and children.
The pedestrian zone, covering approximately 800 metres, is being launched as a pilot project and may later be replicated in Jinnah Super Market and other commercial areas. Digital screens will be installed at entry and exit points for public information and entertainment, and top food chains are expected to set up stalls along the street.
Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza said the project aims to provide an enjoyable “walk-and-shop” experience and a family-friendly recreational area in the heart of the city. “The initiative will be completed within 45 days, including lighting, following consultations with Blue Area traders,” he added.
The CDA is also planning additional pedestrian-friendly developments, including Capital Street near Shakarparian, which will feature restaurants, art workshops, and an expo hall, though work on that project has yet to begin.
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