Illegal speed breakers, U-turns re-appear on PWD Road

Islamabad : Some time back, probably early last year, a number of illegal speed breakers were removed and unnecessary ‘U-turns’ were closed by the then Assistant Commissioner of this circle.

The initiative was highly appreciated by the general public as the move led to remove bottlenecks in smooth traffic flow, prevented damage to the vehicles caused by illegal and high beyond allowed designs speed breakers.

The officer, in collaboration with the Capital Development Authority (CDA) as well as by coaxing the leaders of the private housing societies in the area, also launched work on a ‘Fish-belly U-turn’ at the only traffic signal left on the Islamabad Highway.

The ground work was done expeditiously by the CDA and it seemed that this project will be completed very soon, allowing uninterrupted flow of traffic up and down on this segment of the highway.

Life became good, especially for those who own the imported second-hand cars. And then the Assistant Commissioner was suddenly transferred to some other circle of the Islamabad Capital Territory.

There are speculations and whispers referring to certain actions the young officer took in public interest, but hurt some ‘very, very powerful’ family, which led to his instant transfer.

However, the people living in all these private housing societies beyond south of Korrang nullah bridge continued to enjoy the benefits of the good deeds done by the previous Assistant Commissioner, entirely for public benefits.

But over the last week three new and most damaging speed breakers have emerged on the PWD road as well as some unnecessary U-turns, which were earlier closed for preventing traffic jams have been reopened!

These speed breakers are built so out of proportion that even the Pakistan assembled vehicles get scrapped, leave alone the imported Japanese cars, causing damage and financial losses to people! On the other hand, the re-opening of the closed ‘U-turns’ have also started creating prolonged traffic jams on the road.

As the area is outside the municipal limits of the CDA, the Authority can hardly intervene to resolve the matter and it is entirely up to the ICT administration to look into the matter and put the things in order.

People have appealed to the concerned authorities, in this case the ICT administration, to look into the issue and direct the concerned people to construct the speed breakers according to the laid down rules and specifications.

When approached, the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad said that he was going to issue immediate directions to the relevant Assistant Commissioner to look into the matter and resolve this public grievance on urgent basis.