In a significant move to ease traffic congestion and improve infrastructure, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State Talal Chaudhry on Wednesday approved the designs of two major underpasses — at Kashmir Chowk (Dhokri Chowk) and Shaheen Chowk — during their visit to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) headquarters.
Smart Traffic Solutions for Growing Urban Demands
The approved design for Kashmir Chowk Underpass aims to facilitate vehicles moving from Serena Hotel towards Club Road (Murree Road). A modern underpass will be built beneath the road to ensure a smooth flow of traffic, while the top slab (roof) will allow traffic to continue towards Murree without disruption.
Similarly, the Shaheen Chowk Underpass — to be constructed at the intersection of Khayaban-i-Iqbal (Margalla Road) and 9th Avenue — will carry traffic through a similar two-layer structure. Vehicles on 9th Avenue will use the underpass, while the upper slab will connect the avenue with the service road adjacent to educational institutions, ensuring ease of commute for students and residents alike.
The Shaheen Chowk Underpass, which has been in the pipeline for years, is finally moving forward as the Capital Development Authority (CDA) gears up to begin construction in the coming weeks.
Situated near a cluster of Islamabad’s major universities, the Shaheen Chowk intersection is notorious for heavy traffic, especially during school and office hours. Daily commuters — including students, faculty members, local residents — have long endured bottlenecks and delays due to the high volume of vehicles navigating this busy stretch.
Speaking about the project, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that the design phase is nearly complete and construction work will start shortly. He emphasized the strategic importance of the underpass, saying, “This project is essential not just for easing traffic but for enhancing the overall commute experience of thousands who pass through this area daily. It’s a step toward modernizing Islamabad’s infrastructure to meet growing urban needs.”
CDA officials have sounded this sentiment, noting that the Shaheen Chowk Underpass is considered to be the integral component of the bigger decision to upgrade and decongest the capital’s road network. Once finalized, the underpass will highly cut back travel time between the major sectors and improve access to nearby institutions, making daily commuting easier and more predictable.
This new initiative is directly following the successful the initiation of the Jinnah Square Murree Road Underpass, which was finalized in just 35 days and inaugurated by the PM Shehbaz Sharif.
That project has already brought relief to motorists by providing direct access from Murree Road to Srinagar Highway, improving flow along one of the city’s busiest routes.
Residents are still motivating that with swift execution, the Shaheen Chowk Underpass will soon become another success story in Islamabad’s ongoing urban transformation — a city striving to balance its scenic charm with the demands of a growing population.
More Projects on the Horizon
During the meeting, CDA officials also briefed the ministers on ongoing improvement work at Faizabad Interchange. Tenders have already been floated, and the project will be awarded after finalizing the lowest bidder, according to the CDA.
Read more: Faizabad Interchange to finally get a major makeover after 27 years of its construction
Attention was also given to the dilapidated condition of the service road on the eastern side of Islamabad Expressway, heavily used by locals traveling between Faizabad and Koral. The Minister directed urgent repairs and clarified that while a toll plaza is under consideration, road repairs must be prioritized first.
Additional Developments in Discussion
- Safari Park project, D-Chowk beautification, and CDA Officers’ Hostel business model were discussed.
- The controversial Margalla Hills tunnel project was halted from further discussion due to past Supreme Court intervention.
- Disposal of three five-star hotel plots was also reviewed — two near Marriott Hotel and one near Rawal Dam Chowk.