ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is moving ahead with the Kashmir Chowk underpass project, with the new facility expected to be completed within about a month, according to a CDA spokesperson.
The Rs1.4 billion project is aimed at improving traffic movement at one of Islamabad’s busy junctions, where an estimated 107,000 vehicles pass through the area each day. Heavy traffic at peak times has frequently caused delays for commuters travelling between Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
The project includes separate underpass arrangements for traffic approaching from the Serena side and vehicles travelling from Faizabad towards Murree. The design is intended to separate major traffic movements and reduce pressure on the existing junction.
Four new slip roads will also be developed as part of the scheme. These connections are expected to provide additional routes for vehicles entering or leaving the junction and improve overall traffic circulation.
The CDA said around five acres of land will be incorporated into the project for road widening and associated infrastructure. The underpass will also be connected with planned lane expansion on the Islamabad Expressway.
According to the authority, the project’s estimated cost has been brought down from around Rs1.6 billion to Rs1.4 billion following cost optimisation and planning adjustments.
The Kashmir Chowk project is part of broader efforts to improve road connectivity between Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Once the underpass and related road improvements are completed, the CDA expects travel times between the two cities to potentially fall to around 16 to 18 minutes.
The project is expected to improve traffic flow for daily commuters and reduce congestion around Kashmir Chowk. The final benefits, however, will depend on the completion of the underpass, slip roads and associated road-network improvements.
