Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday laid the foundation stone of the Rs1.45 billion Kashmir Chowk Underpass project in Islamabad, formally marking the start of construction.
Addressing the launch ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi highlighted the project as a major step towards improving traffic flow in the capital.
The underpass is designed to ease congestion at Kashmir Chowk, particularly for motorists travelling towards Murree and commuters heading towards the Islamabad Secretariat.
The project is also expected to provide relief to residents of Bhara Kahu, Quaid-e-Azam University and Banigala, where traffic congestion frequently increases during office and school hours.
According to the project plan, the Kashmir Chowk underpass will be completed within a record one month, aiming to reduce travel delays and improve traffic movement for thousands of commuters using the route daily.
During his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also criticised PTI’s political protests, saying that violent politics primarily damages the economy. He exposed PTI’s anti-state agenda and contrasted the government’s development projects with political agitation.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also described the underpass as an important initiative for residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, saying the project would help address a longstanding traffic problem at the busy intersection.
Islamabad traffic diversion plan
A traffic diversion plan has been issued in view of the closure of Club Road and ongoing construction work at Club Road and Kashmir Chowk.
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Secretariat/Serena Hotel to Rawalpindi: Commuters should use Srinagar Highway and 9th Avenue.
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G-5, Secretariat or Serena Hotel to Rawalpindi: Motorists can use Srinagar Highway, Mera Abadi and Peshawar Road. Alternatively, they can take a U-turn at Lake View and return via Murree Road and Club Road.
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Rawal Dam Chowk, Park Road and Lehtrar Road: Commuters should use Srinagar Highway, 7th Avenue, Shakarparian Road, Tulip Hotel Road and Rawal Dam Road.
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Islamabad to Murree and Bhara Kahu: Drivers can travel via Faizabad, Faisal Avenue, Zero Point, Srinagar Highway Underpass and Jinnah Square, before continuing from Korianwala Chowk towards Bhara Kahu and Murree.
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Rawalpindi to Islamabad: Motorists are advised to use 9th Avenue, Faqir Aipee Road and Srinagar Highway.
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Park Road/Lehtrar Road to Islamabad: Drivers should use Tulip Hotel Road, Garden Avenue and 7th Avenue.
Citizens are advised to plan their journeys in advance and use the recommended alternative routes to avoid delays caused by road closures, construction work and heavy traffic.
