ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Construction of the Kashmir Chowk Underpass in Islamabad has reached 51% completion in just over two weeks, according to the Capital Development Authority (CDA). The Rs1.4 billion project is being fast-tracked to improve traffic flow between Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf visited the construction site on Friday to inspect ongoing work and review progress. He directed the engineering and project management teams to maintain the construction pace while ensuring quality, structural durability and worker safety.
According to the CDA, construction activities faced a two-day disruption because of rainfall. Despite the weather-related delay, civil and structural work has continued, with officials focusing on meeting the project’s accelerated schedule. <Cite refs={[“turn355540search2″,”turn355540search3”]}/>
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif laid the foundation stone of the underpass on October 6, 2026. The project was initially announced with a one-month completion target, and reports published on October 24 indicate that the CDA is aiming to finish the work by the end of the first week of November. <Cite refs={[“turn355540search0″,”turn355540search1”]}/>
The Kashmir Chowk Underpass is designed to ease congestion at a busy intersection connecting important routes in the federal capital and Rawalpindi. The junction handles substantial traffic, particularly during peak commuting hours, leading to delays for motorists travelling between the twin cities.
According to the CDA’s project announcement, the development includes underpasses to facilitate traffic approaching from the Serena side and vehicles travelling from Faizabad towards Murree. Four new slip roads are also planned to improve traffic distribution and connectivity around the intersection. <Cite refs={[“turn355540search3″,”turn355540search7”]}/>
During his inspection, Chairman Sohail Ashraf instructed officials to improve coordination between departments, use construction resources efficiently and monitor progress continuously. He stressed that the accelerated schedule must not compromise engineering standards or public safety.
The CDA has also emphasized the importance of reducing inconvenience for motorists while construction continues. Drivers travelling near Kashmir Chowk should follow traffic signs and instructions from traffic personnel, particularly where temporary arrangements affect normal routes.
Once completed, the underpass is expected to improve vehicle movement and reduce delays at the intersection. However, the actual impact on travel times will depend on traffic conditions and the integration of the project with surrounding roads.
The Rs1.4 billion development forms part of wider efforts to improve Islamabad’s road infrastructure and strengthen connectivity with Rawalpindi. The CDA has said it will continue monitoring construction activities to meet the planned schedule while maintaining quality and safety requirements.
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With 51% of the reported work completed, the authority is now focused on finishing the remaining construction and bringing the underpass into service as soon as the project is ready.
