CDA to Introduce Electric Carts and Valet Service at Blue Area Food Street

The Capital Development Authority has decided to introduce electric carts and valet parking services at the new food street being developed in Islamabad’s Blue Area, as part of efforts to improve accessibility and traffic management. According to CDA officials, four electric carts will operate inside the pedestrian-only food street to facilitate elderly citizens and children. In addition, a valet parking service will be introduced along Jinnah Avenue to manage vehicle parking and reduce congestion in the area. The services are part of a Rs. 240 million project aimed at transforming Blue Area into a car-free, pedestrian-friendly zone. The project covers an 800-foot stretch of Jinnah Avenue, which is being redeveloped into a public space focused on walking, dining and recreation, with regular vehicular movement restricted. Officials said the initiative is designed to enhance the urban experience by offering family-friendly dining spaces, walking paths and digital entertainment facilities. The CDA said the food street is being developed on the lines of Istanbul’s Istiklal Street and Lahore’s Nizami Street. It will include 18 to 20 specially designed kiosks offering a range of local food items. To address parking needs, a new parking plaza with capacity for around 1,000 vehicles has already been completed and will be opened soon. Additional parking areas are also being planned along Fazal-e-Haq Road for traders and visitors. CDA officials said a third-party operator will be hired to manage the food street under the authority’s supervision. The operator will be responsible for running electric cart and valet services, conducting stall auctions, submitting a lump sum bid and ensuring the availability of required facilities. The authority added that it is coordinating with business owners to minimise inconvenience during construction and after the food street becomes operational.