ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has reported significant progress in its citywide streetlight modernization drive, confirming that 1,419 LED lights have already been installed across Islamabad, with the remaining units scheduled for completion within the current month.
Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa, while presiding over a review meeting on Tuesday, was informed that energy-efficient LEDs have been placed along key routes including Srinagar Highway leading to New Islamabad International Airport, Faizabad to Shah Faisal Mosque, and Margalla Road from F-5 to F-11.
The initiative seeks to replace outdated and faulty streetlights, improving road safety and enhancing the capital’s night-time outlook. Randhawa instructed officials to expedite the process, prioritizing high-traffic corridors and public parks. He directed that F-9 Park and other green spaces be equipped with lights and poles at the earliest.
“Reliable and modern street lighting is crucial for safer commuting and for projecting Islamabad as a vibrant, contemporary capital. Visible improvements must be achieved within weeks,” Randhawa emphasized.
Officials highlighted that upon completion of the current phase, thousands of streetlights across the city will have been upgraded to LEDs, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring brighter, longer-lasting illumination.
Besides the lighting project, the CDA board also reviewed progress on other development works. The bidding process for the Shaheen Chowk underpass has been finalized, with Randhawa directing the introduction of an alternative traffic plan and temporary parking near Fatima Jinnah Park during construction.
The T-Chowk Rawat flyover project was also discussed, with instructions for permanent LED and SMD lighting. At the Faizabad Interchange, Randhawa ordered a complete redesign to provide a long-term solution to chronic traffic congestion.
Additionally, the meeting reviewed the upgradation of the CDA Nursery into the “Gardenia Hub,” now featuring greenhouses and floral shops. Randhawa also directed allocation of a special area for the diplomatic community to participate in tree plantation initiatives.
Meanwhile, uplift work on graveyards along the Expressway — including boundary wall construction — is nearing completion.
Concluding the session, Randhawa stressed the need for timely delivery of all projects. “The early completion of these initiatives will not only improve public facilities but also help transform Islamabad into a modern, safe, and model city,” he said.
