Islamabad’s traffic congestion continues to worsen despite the completion of a major project designed to ease the burden. The Blue Area vehicles Parking Plaza was constructed to accommodate 1,000–1,300 vehicles, the facility has not yet been formally taken over by the relevant department. The delay not only causes inconvenience for commuters but the city is also losing significant revenue.

Shops that could have been auctioned stand empty, while parking fees that could support urban development remain uncollected. Planned as a multi-dimensional facility with retail, dining, and entertainment components, the plaza was meant to be more than just a parking structure. It was an urban investment in the future of Islamabad.

Until operationalization takes place, the project remains another example of resources spent but benefits withheld. Residents of Islamabad particularly the office workers and traders who face severe parking issues have demanded of the government to open the parking plaza immediately.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)