CDA to operate Mini Tourist Train in a week

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) will operate a Mini Tourist Train in the Federal Capital in a week time to facilitate and entertainment the visitors and locals by providing a unique traveling experience with onboard commentary about the city.

Chairman CDA Imtiaz Inayat Elahi has approved the plan to run the recreational tourist train to further boost the entertainment facilities to the visitors as well as local people.

A meeting in this regard was held at CDA headquarters, whic waspresided by the chairman. It was also attended by the Member Environment Mian Waheed- Ud-Din and other senior officers of the authority.

Member Environment, CDA apprised the meeting that the recently created Tourism Division of Environment Wing, CDA has made all the arrangements for operating Mini Tourist Train in the Capital city, which will run on daily basis and weekends on the approved routes.

CDA has also conducted the test drive of the train recently Mini Tourist Train will start its journey from Rose & Jasmine Garden with a speed of 20 to 25 kilometers per hours and will cover different landmarks of the city i.e. Kashmir Highway, National Monument, Zero Point, Faisal Mosque, Zoo, Japanese Park (stop-over for 30 minutes), Said Pur Village, Jinnah Super Market, 7th Avenue and Fatima Jinnah Park(F-9 Park) and after covering these sites the train will reach to its final destination at Rose & Jasmine Garden in stipulated time.

The fare of Mini Tourist Train for adults is Rs. 200/- and for children Rs. 150 (up to 10 years). Special concession would be for the disabled persons.

During the first month of train service, CDA has offered 50 per cent discount for the people boarding the train.

CDA will coordinate for operation of Mini Tourist Train service from Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) and Secretary RTA on approved routes, while armed security guards with metal detectors will also be deputed on the train for the safety purpose.

Chairman CDA has directed the Environment Wing of the authority to install boards marking for the route at the starting point (Rose & Jasmine Garden) and mid point.

Besides, ticket booth, souvenir shop and benches, ramp willbe established besides providing wheel chair to facilitate the special persons.

While traveling on train, the tourists will enjoy instrumental music and a well versed tourist guide will provide information to the tourists during the journey both in Urdu and English languages.

The tourist package will also provide Leisure walk and refreshments in the Japanese Park. Tourists will also enjoy street performance and photo shoot at mid point with on board quiz for children at the end of journey about the capital city and tourist sites so as to enhance the knowledge of children.

CDA has also established stall where tourists would be able to buy key chains, t-shirts, ball points, caps and cups etc.

Timing of Mini Tourist Train operation for tourists during the summer season are 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, while on Sunday the timing would be 10:00 am to 11:30 am.

During winter season the train will operate from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm (Sunday 11:00 am to 12:30 pm), during the month of holly Ramzan the train will operate from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm.