Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has inaugurated the Kashmir Chowk Underpass in Islamabad, appreciating Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his team for completing the project in just 27 days.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the prime minister said he had never seen such a major development project completed in such a short time during his political career.
He said the project covered the construction of the underpass, nearby roads and extensive plantation work, with numerous trees and plants added to improve the surrounding environment.
Shehbaz Sharif also appreciated the transparency maintained during the project, noting that the contract was awarded through the electronic procurement system (e-PADS). He said the work was completed at a cost below the initial estimate.
According to the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the underpass was initially estimated to cost Rs1.6 billion but was completed for Rs1.4 billion, resulting in savings of around Rs200 million. The project also features four slip roads to improve traffic movement and connectivity.
The junction previously handled nearly 107,000 vehicles every day, making it a major source of traffic congestion for commuters travelling between Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The newly completed infrastructure is expected to ease traffic flow and reduce delays.
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The prime minister also discussed Islamabad’s future development plans ahead of the next Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, which Pakistan is scheduled to host next year.
He directed Mohsin Naqvi to further improve the beauty of the federal capital through large-scale flower plantations. He said Islamabad should offer a greener and more welcoming environment to residents and international visitors.
The inauguration marks the completion of a major road infrastructure project in the capital, finished ahead of its originally announced one-month construction schedule.