ISLAMABAD — In a first for the federal capital, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has begun work on transforming a key stretch of Blue Area into a car-free pedestrian zone an initiative aimed at promoting leisure, outdoor dining, and digital engagement in the city’s bustling commercial hub.
The Rs. 240 million project will span from Savour Foods to Khyber Plaza along Jinnah Avenue, turning nearly 800 metres of the road into a safe, walkable “food and entertainment street.” The area will feature open-air cafes, retail kiosks, digital screens, and recreational spaces where citizens can stroll, shop, and dine without the hassle of traffic.
According to CDA officials, the engineering wing has already started civil work, with completion expected within 45 days. “This project is designed to enhance Islamabad’s urban lifestyle while supporting local businesses,” said Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza. “We’ve held several consultations with traders in Blue Area to ensure that commercial activities continue smoothly throughout the development.”
Raza added that the new pedestrian zone will be fully illuminated and include family-friendly attractions at both entry and exit points. The project, he said, is being carried out under the guidance of the Interior Minister and CDA Chairman to make Islamabad’s central district more vibrant and people-centric.
To accommodate visitors, the CDA will rely on the nearby multi-storey parking plaza, which can hold up to 950 vehicles, with an additional 150 parking spaces near Khyber Plaza and PIMS.
Currently, Islamabad’s only established food street is Melody Food Park a site that has long struggled with parking and maintenance issues. Officials see the Blue Area pedestrian zone as a model for future urban spaces, potentially to be replicated in Jinnah Super Market and other busy sectors.
The authority also plans to develop Capital Street, an entertainment and dining destination near Shakarparian’s Art and Craft Village. The proposed site will include restaurants, art studios, and an expo hall, though work on that project has not yet started.
