CDA’s Poorly-Managed Under Construction Park Road Underpass is a Traffic Nightmare

Commuters travelling on Islamabad’s Park Road are facing severe traffic congestion as construction of the Margalla Enclave underpass continues without adequate traffic management.

A Google Maps traffic view captured at around 10:07 pm showed dark-red congestion extending from Rawal Chowk through Rawal Town and NARC Colony towards the construction area near Chaye Khana.

The road is an important route for residents of Chak Shahzad, Shahzad Town, Park Enclave, Park View City and other nearby areas. It also carries traffic linked to universities, schools, offices and commercial centres.

Poor Traffic Management

Temporary diversions around the project have become a major source of inconvenience.

Residents have complained that the alternative roads are narrow, uneven, dusty and poorly maintained. They have also reported a lack of proper signs, lane markings and traffic personnel at key points.

The situation becomes worse after rain, when mud, construction material and water collect on the temporary roads.

Motorists have also raised concerns about vehicle damage caused by rough surfaces, while motorcycle riders face dust and unsafe driving conditions.

Longer Commutes

Islamabad Traffic Police previously warned that construction work could add 20 to 30 minutes to journeys on Park Road.

The official diversion plan sends traffic travelling from Rawal Dam Chowk towards Tramri through NIH Road and Mohra Noor before it returns to Park Road.

Traffic moving in the opposite direction is diverted near Chaye Khana through the CDA Nursery area and two temporary roads.

However, the current congestion shows that these arrangements have not prevented long queues along the corridor.

Project Timeline

The underpass is part of the Rs. 10 billion Park Road infrastructure project, which also includes service roads, overhead infrastructure and other road improvements.

The government has said the underpass portion is expected to be completed in July, while the remaining work is scheduled for completion in August.

Until then, commuters continue to face daily delays on a road that was already carrying heavy traffic before construction began.

The project may eventually improve movement on Park Road, but its current management has turned the route into a daily traffic nightmare for thousands of motorists.