China Railway & CDA Partner to Explore Light Rail Transit in Islamabad
A Potential Collaboration for a Modern Light Rail Transit System
In a significant development for Islamabad’s transportation infrastructure, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) is actively exploring a collaboration with China Railway to introduce the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system in the capital city. LRT, renowned for its high-capacity electric trains operating on dedicated tracks, could be a game-changer for the city’s commuters.
Officials from CDA recently held a pivotal meeting with representatives from China Railway, and the initial discussions have been deemed “very successful” by Waseem Hayat Bajwa, Member Planning of CDA. Anticipation is high for forthcoming discussions scheduled in the next 10 days, which could pave the way for a groundbreaking transportation project.
CDA’s ambitious plans for the LRT system encompass two critical routes: one along the Islamabad Expressway and another connecting the new airport to H-8. These routes have been strategically chosen to alleviate the city’s growing traffic congestion issues.
An intriguing aspect of this project is the potential utilization of existing railway tracks from H-8 to Golra, which would enhance the feasibility and efficiency of the LRT system. Furthermore, officials are actively exploring the integration of these LRT routes with Islamabad’s existing network of metro buses.
If China Railway’s proposal is accepted, both parties are poised to sign a government-to-government agreement to advance this transformative project. While CDA had previously explored funding options with international donors like the Asian Development Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the involvement of China Railway injects new hope into securing the necessary funding and expertise.
The collaboration between CDA and China Railway holds the promise of reshaping Islamabad’s public transportation landscape, offering a sustainable, efficient, and modern alternative for the city’s residents. This initiative marks a significant step forward in addressing the capital’s transportation challenges.