Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi has expressed satisfaction over the rapid progress of the Rs 1.4 billion Kashmir Chowk Underpass project in Islamabad, saying the major infrastructure development could be completed in less than 30 days if construction continues at its present pace.
During an early-morning inspection of the construction site on Tuesday, Naqvi reviewed ongoing work on the underpass, particularly the roof slab and supporting walls, and appreciated the pace of construction achieved within just 17 days of the commencement of work.
The minister said he was pleased to see the progress on the underpass’s structural components, expressing confidence that the project could be completed ahead of its ambitious deadline.
“If work continues at this pace, the project could be completed in less than 30 days,” Naqvi said.
His latest assessment comes as the Capital Development Authority (CDA) races to complete one of Islamabad’s important road infrastructure projects within an unusually compressed construction schedule.
51 Per Cent Construction Completed In Just Over Two Weeks
According to the CDA’s latest publicly reported progress assessment, issued on October 23, approximately 51 per cent of the Kashmir Chowk Underpass had been completed within just over two weeks of construction.
The progress was achieved despite rainfall disrupting construction activities for two working days.
CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf, who inspected the project on October 23, directed engineering and construction teams to maintain the accelerated pace while ensuring compliance with engineering specifications, structural durability and construction safety standards.
The authority has attributed the rapid progress to continuous monitoring, coordination among construction teams and efficient deployment of resources.
While an updated percentage of completion was not announced during Naqvi’s latest inspection, his remarks suggest that work on the project’s major structural components is continuing at a satisfactory pace.
Rs 1.4 Billion Project Awarded Below Initial Estimate
The Kashmir Chowk Underpass project was formally launched by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on October 6, 2026, as part of the federal government’s efforts to modernise Islamabad’s road infrastructure and improve traffic management.
The project’s initial PC-I cost was estimated at approximately Rs 1.6 billion, while the construction contract was awarded at around Rs 1.4 billion, representing a reduction from the original project estimate.
Habib Construction Services was awarded the construction contract, with its reported winning financial bid standing at approximately Rs 1.45 billion.
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The project’s design was prepared by the Lahore-based team of the National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK).
Although the original tender documents reportedly provided a 90-day construction period, the authorities subsequently adopted an accelerated completion target of approximately 30 days.
The significantly shorter timeline has placed considerable emphasis on project management, uninterrupted construction activity and close supervision by the relevant authorities.
Major Traffic Relief Expected For 107,000 Vehicles Daily
Kashmir Chowk, also known as Dhokri Chowk, is among Islamabad’s important traffic intersections, connecting routes used by commuters travelling between Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Murree.
According to figures presented during the project’s inauguration, approximately 107,000 vehicles use the intersection daily, creating substantial traffic pressure, particularly during peak hours.
The project is designed to separate conflicting traffic movements and reduce delays at the busy junction.
Under the planned road configuration, traffic travelling from the Serena side towards Rawalpindi will use the underpass, while vehicles travelling towards Murree will move along the road above.
The development also includes four slip roads intended to improve traffic distribution and reduce congestion around the intersection.
Once completed, the underpass is expected to improve connectivity between the twin cities and facilitate motorists travelling towards Murree and adjoining areas.
Government Targets Reduced Travel Time Between Twin Cities
The Kashmir Chowk Underpass forms part of a broader effort to improve road connectivity and reduce travel delays across Islamabad.
During the project’s inauguration, Naqvi said that the completion of the Kashmir Chowk and Expressway service road projects could help reduce travel time between Islamabad and Rawalpindi from approximately 30 minutes to between 16 and 18 minutes.
However, this projected reduction relates to the combined impact of the road improvements rather than the Kashmir Chowk Underpass alone.
The actual improvement in journey times will depend on traffic volumes, road conditions and the effectiveness of the new traffic arrangements after the project becomes operational.
The development is particularly significant for daily commuters, commercial transport operators and motorists travelling through the capital’s busy road network.
Round-The-Clock Construction To Meet Deadline
The accelerated construction schedule has required extensive coordination between the CDA, contractors, engineering teams and traffic management authorities.
During an earlier inspection on October 21, Naqvi said construction activities were continuing around the clock, with workers and technical teams engaged throughout the day and night.
He also highlighted the challenge of constructing a major underpass at a busy intersection while keeping traffic moving and avoiding extensive road closures.
According to the minister, the authorities had made efforts to minimise inconvenience to motorists through coordinated traffic management arrangements.
Naqvi had earlier expressed hope that the underpass could be opened to traffic within 10 days of his October 21 inspection.
His latest visit reinforces the government’s determination to complete the project within the shortest possible timeframe.
Construction Quality And Public Safety Remain Critical
While the accelerated pace has attracted attention, the CDA has emphasised that construction quality, engineering standards and public safety must not be compromised.
Chairman CDA Sohail Ashraf has instructed project teams to maintain strict quality control and ensure that all remaining civil and structural work meets prescribed specifications.
The completion of major structural components, including the roof slab and retaining walls, represents an important stage of construction.
However, the project’s operational readiness will also depend on the completion of remaining road works, finishing activities, safety arrangements and necessary inspections.
The CDA has maintained that the project should be completed within the stipulated timeframe without sacrificing durability or construction standards.
Underpass Could Open Before November’s First Week Ends
With more than half of the project already completed as of October 23, the authorities are targeting completion by the end of the first week of November, although Naqvi’s earlier remarks suggested that opening could come even sooner.
If the accelerated schedule is maintained, the Kashmir Chowk Underpass could become one of Islamabad’s fastest-delivered major road infrastructure projects.
The project is also being closely watched as an example of the government’s approach to accelerating urban infrastructure development through intensive monitoring and compressed construction schedules.
For thousands of motorists who regularly travel through Kashmir Chowk, the project’s success will ultimately be measured by improved traffic flow, reduced congestion and safer journeys.
For now, Naqvi’s latest early-morning inspection has reinforced expectations that the Rs 1.4 billion underpass could be completed within a month of construction beginning, provided the remaining work progresses without significant delays.