ISLAMABAD: The newly constructed Shaheen Chowk Underpass will be opened for traffic on December 31, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Monday, marking another major milestone in Islamabad’s fast paced urban road development. The project is expected to significantly ease congestion at one of the capital’s busiest junctions.
Built on Khyaban i Iqbal at the intersection of Ninth Avenue, the underpass addresses chronic traffic bottlenecks that routinely caused long delays during peak hours. Once operational, it will allow uninterrupted traffic movement along Margalla Road, improving daily commuting for thousands of motorists travelling between central and northern sectors of the city.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to formally inaugurate the underpass on Wednesday. During a site visit, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the project would permanently resolve long standing traffic problems in the area and enhance overall road efficiency. He also reviewed landscaping and horticulture work and directed officials to plant additional saplings around the project to improve the urban environment.
Chairman Capital Development Authority briefed the minister on technical aspects of the project. Senior officials including the Islamabad police chief and CDA engineering representatives were also present. The foundation stone of the underpass was laid on October 24 with an original completion timeline of 150 days but the project was completed in just two months through accelerated construction.
The project cost stood at Rs1.3 billion though the scope was later expanded by 15 percent. Design revisions included increasing the underpass barrel length from 56 metres to 85 metres along with other structural enhancements aimed at ensuring smoother traffic flow and long term durability.
The Shaheen Chowk Underpass adds to a series of major infrastructure projects completed in Islamabad over the past year including the F Eight Interchange Serena Interchange Murree Road underpass and T Chowk Flyover. Several new projects are also underway including upgrades to Islamabad Expressway service roads construction at Kashmir Chowk and extension of Margalla Avenue to the Peshawar Motorway, reinforcing the capital’s evolving road network.
