The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is preparing to launch two major infrastructure projects aimed at easing traffic congestion in Islamabad.
The first project involves building a flyover or interchange on GT Road to provide direct access to the Islamabad Expressway for traffic coming from Lahore. The second project includes the construction of an underpass at Shaheen Chowk, located at the junction of Khayaban-e-Iqbal (Margalla Road) and 9th Avenue.
This underpass will allow uninterrupted traffic flow on 9th Avenue, while the top slab will serve to connect 9th Avenue with the service road.
Technical bids for both projects have already been submitted. Three companies are competing for the Shaheen Chowk project, which is estimated to cost Rs. 1.3 billion. Two bidders are in the running for the GT Road project, expected to cost Rs. 1.4 billion. Financial bids will be opened after technical evaluations are completed.
The Shaheen Chowk underpass is projected to be completed in 150 days, while the GT Road flyover is expected to take 180 days. According to CDA Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza, the projects are crucial to improving traffic flow in the capital.
Funding for these developments comes from the CDA’s recent auction of commercial plots.