Rs. 1.3 Billion Underpass in Islamabad to Open for Traffic Soon

Following the inauguration of the T-Chowk flyover in Islamabad, another major road project is expected to open for traffic soon.

The Shaheen Chowk underpass, located at one of Islamabad’s busiest intersections, is expected to be inaugurated in the coming days, according to officials familiar with the project.

The underpass is being built at the junction of 9th Avenue and Khyaban-i-Iqbal, an area that experiences heavy daily congestion and long traffic delays.

Shaheen Chowk Underpass Update! 🚧

The construction in Islamabad is moving fast! latest footage showing the progress on the underpass, which is aiming to significantly ease traffic flow.#ShaheenChowk #Islamabad #CDA #IslamabadTraffic #Pakistan 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/VogCEtZbGk

— Developing Pakistan (@developingpak) December 21, 2025

Earlier this month, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) introduced major design changes to the project while construction was already under way. Officials said the authority expanded the scope of the underpass to improve traffic capacity and long-term flow.

As part of the revisions, the length of the underpass barrel was increased from 56 meters to 85 meters to allow smoother vehicle movement. The CDA also added an extra lane to the roundabout and included two new U-turns to provide motorists with improved access from multiple directions.

A CDA official said the design changes remain within the 15 percent cost-revision limit allowed under Public Procurement Regulatory Authority rules.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif laid the foundation stone of the Rs. 1.3 billion Shaheen Chowk underpass on October 24. Although the original PC-I set April as the completion deadline, officials said the pace of construction has placed the project ahead of schedule and close to opening for traffic.