Work on Islamabad’s much-anticipated Kashmir Chowk underpass has begun, with initial construction activity now visible at the busy intersection near Islamabad Club.
Trees along the sides of Kashmir Chowk have been dug up for relocation to another site in Islamabad, while a construction container has also been installed at the site. White markings have been made on the road to indicate the area designated for the underpass.
The development comes as the Capital Development Authority (CDA) moves ahead with the Kashmir Chowk underpass project, estimated to cost around Rs1.4 billion.
The underpass will be constructed on Murree Road, commonly known as Dhokri Chowk. Once completed, traffic travelling from the Serena side towards Rawalpindi will use the underpass, while vehicles heading towards Murree will use the top slab of the underpass.
Kashmir Chowk underpass: What commuters should know
The construction work is expected to affect traffic movement around Kashmir Chowk as the project progresses. However, the CDA has not yet provided a detailed list of alternative routes for commuters.
Office goers and daily commuters travelling through the area are therefore advised to expect possible traffic slowdowns and follow traffic police directions during construction.
Why has work started?
The CDA recently opened the technical bids submitted by two construction firms — Habib Construction Services (HCS) and MS Kamran Khan (Kundi Group).
During the technical evaluation, the CDA declared MS Kamran Kundi non-responsive. The company subsequently filed a grievance with the CDA, meaning the financial bids cannot be opened until the complaint is decided.
A CDA official said the authority would decide the grievance within five days, while the overall matter was expected to be resolved within 15 days.
If the CDA committee finds the grievance valid, financial bids from both companies will be opened. Otherwise, the non-responsive company can approach the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA).
Officials have clarified that filing a grievance is a routine part of the procurement process and does not, by itself, indicate controversy surrounding the project.
More underpasses planned in Islamabad
The Kashmir Chowk project is not the only underpass planned by the CDA.
The civic authority is also preparing to construct an underpass at the junction of Faisal Avenue and Margalla Road. Officials said the PC-I for the project was being finalised before the tendering process begins.
The CDA is currently working on two major road projects, while the federally funded 10th Avenue project has remained stalled for more than a year, with around half of the work still incomplete.
