Web desk: The foundation stone for the Shaheen Chowk Underpass Project was laid in Islamabad. It marked a major step toward easing traffic congestion in the federal capital and improving travel for citizens.
Shaheen Chowk is located at the intersection of 9th Avenue and Khayaban-e-Iqbal, Margalla Road.
Since it is one of the major roads, it sees thousands of vehicles daily. This traffic leads to congestion and ends up making travel difficult for many.
The project will be completed by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) using its own funds, while NESPAK will serve as the consultant.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a detailed briefing on the project during the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said traffic jams at Shaheen Chowk had long been a major issue, and the CDA had planned the project carefully to preserve the city’s beauty.
He added that work on 11th Avenue is also being launched, and construction of the T-Chowk flyover is in progress and expected to be completed by December.
The minister further shared that a new convention centre, four times larger than the existing one, will be built to international standards, with its groundbreaking scheduled for January 1.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said several development projects are being launched to reduce traffic pressure across Islamabad.
He called the Shaheen Chowk underpass an important step toward eliminating bottlenecks in the city.
The prime minister praised Mohsin Naqvi and the CDA team for their fast-paced work and efforts to enhance Islamabad’s beauty.
He also emphasised the importance of completing all development projects quickly and to the highest standards. Especially ahead of the upcoming SCO meeting in the next two years.
What is the cost of the Shaheen Chowk Underpass?
The Shaheen Chowk project will cost Rs1.3 billion. It has been designed to address one of the capital’s major traffic bottlenecks.
The area experiences heavy congestion during peak hours due to the presence of several educational institutions and government offices in the area.
According to CDA officials, the design allows traffic on Margalla Road to pass through the underpass.
The upper deck is planned to connect 9th Avenue with the adjoining service roads to ensure a smoother traffic flow.
The contract for the project has already been awarded.
