Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has inaugurated the Kashmir Chowk Underpass in Islamabad, which has been completed in a record time of just 28 days.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he had never witnessed a major development project being completed at such a remarkable pace throughout his political career.
He said the Kashmir Chowk Underpass, its connecting roads and extensive landscaping, including the plantation of trees and flowers, had all been completed within just 27 days. The prime minister also highlighted the transparent procurement process, noting that the project contract had been awarded through the electronic Public Procurement (e-PAD) system.
He further said the project had been completed at a cost lower than the initial estimated budget, demonstrating efficient utilisation of public funds. Sharif said the government was planning additional development initiatives to improve Islamabad’s infrastructure and appearance ahead of next year’s Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
He also directed Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to accelerate efforts to beautify the federal capital through plantation and landscaping.
“Mr Mohsin Naqvi, please adorn Islamabad with flowers; the fragrance of these blooms will delight both the residents of Islamabad and the visiting guests,” the prime minister said. The project was launched on October 6, 2026, and completed at an estimated cost of Rs1.4 billion, below the initial estimate of Rs1.6 billion.
The underpass has been constructed to ease traffic congestion at one of Islamabad’s busiest intersections, which handles approximately 107,000 vehicles daily. The project is expected to improve traffic flow and connectivity towards Serena Hotel, Faizabad and Murree, providing relief to commuters travelling through the area.
The infrastructure includes the main underpass, four slip roads and extensive landscaping to improve traffic management and the surrounding environment. The contract for the project was awarded through the electronic Public Procurement (e-PAD) system.
The inauguration marks the completion of a major infrastructure project aimed at improving Islamabad’s road network and addressing traffic congestion at Kashmir Chowk.
