Islamabad: The Shaheen Chowk underpass in Islamabad is set to be inaugurated next week, following a site inspection by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday. The project, whose foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on October 24, is now nearing completion.
According to the Interior Ministry, 90 percent of the work has been completed, with only road surfacing and finishing touches pending. During the inspection, the Interior Minister was briefed by CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa, who confirmed that structural work has been completed and directed the finalisation of remaining tasks.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Naqvi said the underpass will significantly reduce traffic congestion at the junction of 9th Avenue and Khyaban-i-Iqbal, commonly known as Margalla Road, which has been a routine traffic hotspot. He added that the project will provide substantial benefits to the public.
The underpass project, originally estimated at PKR 1.3 billion, saw its scope revised with a 15 percent cost increase due to design changes, including an increase in the underpass barrel length from 56 meters to 85 meters. Although initially scheduled for completion in April, the project was fast-tracked and is now ready for opening.
Once operational, the Shaheen Chowk underpass is expected to ease city traffic and improve commuting efficiency in the area.
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