ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is preparing to begin construction of the Kashmir Chowk Underpass, a road infrastructure project with an estimated cost of around Rs1.4 billion.
Work on a temporary diversion road and shifting of utilities has already started at the project site. The CDA is expected to hold the groundbreaking ceremony on October 5, after which excavation and main construction activities are planned to begin.
The project has moved into the execution phase following the completion of the technical evaluation of bids. Habib Construction Services (HCS) and MS Kamran Khan (Kundi Group) had submitted bids for the project.
The CDA declared one of the bids non-responsive and proceeded with HCS’s financial proposal. The company submitted a bid of Rs1.45 billion against the tender’s estimated cost of Rs1.486 billion.
According to the bidding documents, the contractor has been given 90 days to complete the underpass. CDA officials, however, have indicated that the project could be completed in about two months under a fast-track construction schedule.
The proposed underpass will serve traffic travelling from the Serena side toward Rawalpindi. Vehicles heading toward Murree will continue to use the road above the underpass.
The authority has cited the contractor’s experience on several recent CDA projects as one factor supporting the accelerated construction plan. These projects include Serena Interchange, Murree Road Underpass, T-Chowk Flyover and Sheen Chowk Underpass.
The Kashmir Chowk project is part of the CDA’s wider programme to improve road infrastructure in Islamabad. The authority is also preparing to launch several other projects, including a cricket stadium, an additional block at the Jinnah Convention Centre, Safari Park and the National History Museum in Malpur.
The underpass is expected to improve traffic movement through the Kashmir Chowk area once construction is completed. The final timeline will depend on site work, utility shifting and construction progress.
