ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is preparing to start construction of the Kashmir Chowk underpass, with groundbreaking expected after September 27 as the authority moves ahead with preliminary work at the site.
According to a CDA official, the authority has accepted a bid for the project and awarded the contract to Habib Construction Services (HCS). The contractor submitted a financial bid of Rs. 1.45 billion, compared with the tender’s estimated cost of Rs. 1.486 billion.
Preparatory Work Underway
Initial activities have already started at the project site, including clearing and grubbing. The CDA is also working on traffic management arrangements and the relocation of utility services before the main construction begins.
The tender documents specify a 90-day construction period. However, officials indicated that the CDA is seeking faster completion, with HCS expected to complete the underpass in around two months under a fast-track approach.
Traffic Plan for Kashmir Chowk
The underpass will be constructed at Kashmir Chowk on Murree Road, also known as Dhokri Chowk, near Islamabad Club.
Under the proposed traffic arrangement, vehicles travelling from the Serena side toward Rawalpindi will use the underpass, while traffic heading toward Murree will continue through the road above the structure.
The project design was prepared by the Lahore team of NESPAK. CDA officials have also emphasized keeping the development within the approved budget and limiting design or scope changes that could result in additional costs.
Once completed, the underpass is expected to provide an additional traffic route through the busy intersection and support smoother movement along the Murree Road corridor. The actual construction schedule will depend on site preparations, utility shifting and traffic management arrangements.
