Just like the ongoing Shaheen Chowk underpass project, the cost of the T-Chowk flyover project may also increase by 15%.
The T-Chowk flyover project is almost complete, with final asphalt work underway. The cost of the project may increase by 15% due to additional work.
“Legally, a 15% increase in the scope of the project is permissible… but it will be a strange coincidence if both ongoing projects face a similar increase in scope,” said an official source.
The project is now more than 85% complete, and the deadline for completion is February 18, 2026.
Shaheen Chowk Design Expanded Mid-Construction
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has significantly revised the design of the Shaheen Chowk underpass in Islamabad while the project is still under construction, reflecting how traffic realities on the ground are reshaping the original plan.
Located at the busy junction of 9th Avenue and Khyaban-i-Iqbal (Margalla Road), Shaheen Chowk has long been a choke point where commuters routinely found themselves stuck in long queues. The underpass was launched to tackle this bottleneck — but as work progressed, engineers realised that the initial design needed to be upgraded for smoother, long-term traffic flow.
Read more: Progress on Islamabad road projects: T-Chowk flyover 80%, Shaheen Chowk 65%, Faizabad loop 70% done
Underpass barrel length increased from 56 to 85 meters
As per to CDA officials, the length of the underpass barrel has been increased from 56 metres to 85 metres, giving vehicles more space to pass through without causing merging chaos at the entry and exit points.
In addition, an extra lane has been added to the roundabout (rotary) above, and two U-turns have been incorporated into the design. These U-turns are meant to offer convenient shortcuts for traffic coming from different directions, reducing the need for long detours and easing pressure on the main intersection.
Crucially, CDA says all these Shaheen Chowk changes are being carried out within the allowed 15% cost escalation limit set by the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA). A senior official noted that the Member Engineering has strictly instructed that the total cost must not cross this threshold.
If any additional fine-tuning is needed later — such as adjustments to service roads or minor geometry improvements and it will be handled via separate, smaller tenders instead of inflating the main project cost.
Shaheen Chowk underpass, worth Rs 1.3 billion
The Shaheen Chowk underpass, worth Rs. 1.3 billion, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on October 24. As per the original PC-I, it was supposed to be completed by April. However, the project is being executed at a fast pace, with the government now pushing to finish it by December 25. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa have repeatedly visited the site, urging early completion.
Read more: Work begins on long-awaited Kutchery Chowk Underpass and Overhead Bridge Project
A recent press release from the Ministry of Interior stated that all 70 girders for the underpass have been launched, with work on remaining components progressing rapidly. Ramps 1 and 2 have already been completed. The minister also inspected two other key projects — the T-Chowk Flyover and the expansion of loops at Faizabad Interchange — and expressed satisfaction over their pace.
Mohsin Naqvi has given instructions that Loop 1 and Loop 2 at Faizabad be upgraded to three lanes to further smoothen traffic flow and instructed that landscaping and modern lighting be added to improve the visual appeal of all three projects.
He kept on stressing that once completed, these projects will significantly reduce congestion and make daily commuting far more convenient for residents of Islamabad and the surrounding areas.
CDA officials said that around 85% work on the T-Chowk Flyover has also been completed, and it is expected to open to traffic in early December which is another relief for thousands of daily commuters in the twin cities.