The Shaheen Chowk underpass in Islamabad has entered its final stages as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi inspected the project and instructed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to expedite completion. Officials confirmed that the underpass is expected to be inaugurated next week.
The foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on October 24, and nearly 90 percent of the construction work has now been completed.
Project Progress and Final Work
During the inspection, CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa briefed the minister about the remaining work. While the structural construction has been completed, road carpeting and finishing tasks are still underway. Minister Naqvi emphasized that all pending work should be completed without delay.
The underpass is designed to ease traffic congestion at the junction of 9th Avenue and Khyaban-i-Iqbal, one of the busiest intersections in Islamabad. Officials said the project will significantly improve traffic flow and reduce commuting time for residents and commuters in the area.
Project Cost and Modifications
The original project cost was Rs. 1.3 billion, but the scope of work was later revised, increasing both scale and cost by 15 percent. The length of the underpass barrel was extended from 56 meters to 85 meters, along with minor design improvements to enhance functionality and safety.
Timeline and Completion
Although initially scheduled for completion in April, the project was fast-tracked, and the CDA is now finalizing the last phase. Officials stated that with the remaining road finishing and safety measures completed, the underpass will be ready to serve daily commuters soon.
