ISLAMABAD (Special Correspondent) – Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Wednesday that the Kashmir Chowk Underpass project in Islamabad is expected to open to traffic within the next 10 days, following 12 days of intensive construction. His review highlighted significant progress aimed at easing congestion at this crucial junction.

Key Points

• Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expects the Kashmir Chowk Underpass to open within 10 days.
• Construction work on the underpass has been ongoing for 12 days, operating around the clock.
• Traffic flow was maintained throughout the construction period without full road closures.
• The project aims to facilitate smooth passage for vehicles travelling towards Murree.
• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will be requested to inaugurate the completed underpass.

Talking to media persons at the construction site, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that work on the Kashmir Chowk Underpass has been continuing around the clock, with concerted efforts from the Capital Development Authority (CDA), contractors, and various teams to ensure timely completion. “Today is the 12th day since work on the Kashmir Underpass began. The progress is visible, and we will try to open it to traffic within the next 10 days,” he affirmed.

Accelerated Construction Efforts

The minister emphasised that construction activities have been continuous, with no hour passing without significant progress. He highlighted that a primary challenge for the Kashmir Chowk Underpass project was to execute the work at a vital intersection without imposing full road closures or extensive traffic diversions. Traffic police and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) collaborated effectively to maintain vehicle movement throughout the construction period, which has spanned 12 days.

Mohsin Naqvi acknowledged that commuters might have faced some inconvenience; however, he underscored that traffic flow was not halted at any point. He further elaborated that once operational, the Kashmir Chowk Underpass will enable vehicles travelling from various parts of Pakistan towards Murree to bypass traffic jams at Kashmir Chowk. He added that the route beyond the underpass is already clear, reinforcing the project’s objective of ensuring a seamless flow of traffic.

Anticipated Inauguration

The interior minister expressed his optimism that the Kashmir Chowk Underpass would open soon, marking it as one of Pakistan’s most swiftly completed infrastructure projects. He indicated that the facility would be made accessible to traffic immediately upon construction completion, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would be invited to attend its inauguration ceremony.