The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is preparing to begin construction of the Kashmir Chowk underpass, with the groundbreaking ceremony expected on October 5.
CDA officials said a diversion road is currently being constructed to facilitate traffic before work on the underpass begins. Utility shifting is also underway.
“Construction work and digging for the underpass project will start after the groundbreaking ceremony, which is expected on October 5,” a CDA official said.
The Kashmir Chowk underpass contract has already been mobilised, while the diversion road is being prepared ahead of the main construction work.
The project was awarded after the CDA opened technical bids from two firms, Habib Construction Services (HCS) and MS Kamran Khan (Kundi Group). One bidder was declared non-responsive during the technical evaluation.
The financial bid submitted by HCS was subsequently opened at Rs1.45 billion, against the tender’s estimated cost of Rs1.486 billion.
According to the bidding documents, the project has a completion period of 90 days. However, CDA officials said they aim to complete the underpass within two months on a fast-track basis.
Once completed, traffic travelling towards Rawalpindi from the Serena side will use the underpass, while vehicles heading towards Murree will use the road above it.
Meanwhile, the CDA has identified four other projects for early launch, including a cricket stadium, an additional block at the Jinnah Convention Centre, Safari Park and the National History Museum in Malpur.
The proposed cricket stadium in Zone III near D-12 is also reportedly close to the launch stage, with the lowest bid submitted by HCS at Rs8.9 billion.
The CDA has also invited tenders for the construction and upgradation of an additional block at the Jinnah Convention Centre, while the Safari Park and National History Museum projects in Malpur remain under discussion.
CDA officials said all five projects are currently on the authority’s priority list and efforts are underway to start them at the earliest.
