The Capital Development Authority (CDA) opened bids for the Rs. 1.4 billion project, which will be constructed at the intersection of GT Road and Islamabad Expressway.
Habib Construction Services (HCS), known for its work on the high-profile Jinnah Square Project (Serena Interchange and Murree Road underpass), is likely to secure the contract as its bid was the most competitive. Only two companies participated in the bidding process.
HCS, in partnership with ZKB, submitted a bid that was 2% lower than the estimated project cost of Rs. 1.4 billion. In contrast, the other bidder proposed a price over 11% higher than the estimated cost.
An official stated, “The bids were opened today, and the joint venture of HCS and ZKB submitted the lowest bid, which is 2% below the NIT cost. The bid will now be presented to the competent authority for approval before work orders are issued.”
The project involves constructing a 570-meter-long flyover on GT Road to provide direct access for traffic coming from Lahore to the Islamabad Expressway.
Additionally, a slip road will be built to facilitate traffic heading towards Lahore from the Expressway. According to the PC-1, the project is expected to be completed within five months, but officials believe it could be finished in as little as three months if work progresses rapidly.
Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza emphasized the importance of the T-Chowk project for improving traffic flow. He noted that once completed, the flyover would benefit approximately 100,000 motorists daily. “On the instructions of the Interior Minister and CDA Chairman, the engineering wing has already completed two major projects, and this one will also be prioritized,” he said.
He added that the flyover is essential for maximizing the benefits of the signal-free Expressway, as the current junction creates significant challenges for motorists, particularly those traveling from Lahore.
In related developments, the CDA is preparing to open financial bids next week for another major project: the Shaheen Chowk underpass. This project, estimated at Rs. 1.3 billion, aims to address severe congestion at the junction of Ninth Avenue and Khayaban-i-Iqbal/Margalla Road, an area heavily trafficked due to nearby government offices and educational institutions. The underpass will allow traffic on Khayaban-i-Iqbal to pass below, while the top slab will connect Ninth Avenue with the service road.
Previously, the CDA rejected a lone bid for the Shaheen Chowk project due to allegations of favoritism and restrictive criteria. The authority has since relaxed the requirements and reissued the tender to encourage broader participation.
Meanwhile, the CDA is also planning to launch another significant initiative: the extension of Margalla Road from GT Road to Motorway I.