News
Construction Begins on Rs1.4bn Kashmir Chowk Underpass in Islamabad
By Mariam Khan
Real Estate Analyst
3 min read
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formally laid the foundation stone for Islamabad's Rs1.4 billion Kashmir Chowk Underpass. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) says the junction currently handles around 107,000 vehicles, and the project includes the underpass plus four slip roads. CDA officials are targeting completion in one month, although the formal bidding documents provide a 90-day construction period.
Why This Is an Execution Milestone
We previously reported that groundbreaking was expected on October 5, when a diversion road was already being built. The foundation stone ceremony by the Prime Minister moves the project from preparation to formally launched construction. As the pasted report does not state whether main excavation has begun, readers should not assume it has.
Why the One-Month Target Differs From the 90-Day Contract Period
CDA's target of one month is a third of the 90-day construction period in the bidding documents. The shorter target is an aim, and the longer period is what the contract provides. Our earlier report said CDA had aimed for roughly two-month completion on a fast-track basis, and the start slipped to October. The one-month target is therefore tighter than the earlier one (see our earlier coverage of the underpass). Commuters and businesses should plan on the possibility that works take up to the full 90 days, and treat one month as the best case.
Why 107,000 Vehicles and Four Slip Roads Define the Scale
A junction handling around 107,000 vehicles is one of the capital's busiest, and the underpass is meant to separate through traffic from local movements, with four slip roads linking the junction. Kashmir Chowk is a key link between Islamabad and Rawalpindi, so changes there affect both cities. The vehicle count is CDA's figure, and the reports do not say over what period it was measured.
Why the Park Announcements Are Plans, Not Projects Under Way
The government also announced plans for a 450-acre Safari Park near Malpur, conversion of F-9 Park into a Hyde Park-style facility, and another major park likely near D-12. These are announcements, and the reports give no costs, timelines or approvals for them. The Safari Park was also named among the projects CDA planned to launch in our earlier report, so it is an existing plan and not a new one. If implemented, they could add to amenity value in nearby areas, but that depends on delivery.
What This Means for Owners, Businesses and Commuters Near Kashmir Chowk
Residents, businesses and commuters near the junction should expect disruption while construction is under way, and should watch CDA's traffic advisories. Improved flow could strengthen connectivity between Islamabad and Rawalpindi and benefit surrounding residential and commercial corridors once the underpass opens, which remains an expectation and not a certainty. Owners near Malpur, F-9 and D-12 should wait for project details before expecting any change in value. Updates are published by CDA.