Kashmir Chowk underpass marks new milestone in Islamabad’s development

The federal capital is witnessing a fresh phase of infrastructure development, with the Kashmir Chowk Underpass emerging

ISLAMABAD: The federal capital is witnessing a fresh phase of infrastructure development, with the Kashmir Chowk Underpass emerging as one of the latest major projects aimed at improving traffic flow and connectivity in the city.

The project is being undertaken by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) under the directions of Federal Minister for Interior Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi and CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf. The groundbreaking of the underpass marks another step in the ongoing efforts to upgrade Islamabad’s road infrastructure and address growing traffic-related challenges.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, while addressing the groundbreaking ceremony, appreciated the pace of development and the target of completing the project within one month.

The Kashmir Chowk Underpass has been planned to address congestion at one of the important intersections connecting Islamabad with Rawalpindi and other adjoining areas. According to available details, the project carries an estimated cost of around Rs1.4 billion.

Once completed, the underpass is expected to provide smoother movement for vehicles travelling between the Serena area and Rawalpindi. Traffic heading towards Murree will continue to use the upper portion of the junction. The arrangement is expected to reduce delays, improve connectivity and help commuters save both time and fuel.

Accelerated development in Islamabad

The Kashmir Chowk project forms part of a broader development programme being implemented by CDA across the federal capital. The authority has placed greater emphasis on completing infrastructure projects within shorter timelines while maintaining construction standards.

During 2025, CDA completed 18 development projects with an estimated value of around Rs15 billion. The completed schemes included the F-8 Interchange, Serena Interchange, Murree Road Underpass, T-Chowk Flyover, Shaheen Chowk Underpass, Park Road and the Business Facilitation Centre.

These projects have contributed to improved traffic movement at several key locations and strengthened connectivity between different parts of Islamabad.

The completion of the Shaheen Chowk Underpass has also been cited as an example of the authority’s accelerated approach to infrastructure development. The Kashmir Chowk project is now being pursued with a similar focus on timely completion.

Wider infrastructure vision

The development programme extends beyond the construction of underpasses and roads. CDA is also working on connectivity improvements, landscaping, beautification, recreational facilities and other public-oriented projects as part of efforts to improve Islamabad’s urban environment.

Major initiatives include work related to Margalla Avenue, the Islamabad Expressway Service Road and improvements along Attaturk Avenue.

The broader objective is to strengthen Islamabad’s infrastructure as the city’s population, residential areas, commercial activity and vehicle numbers continue to grow. New roads, interchanges, underpasses and improved traffic management systems are being developed to respond to these pressures.

Focus on timely completion

The current development drive also highlights the importance of coordination between CDA, the Ministry of Interior, Islamabad Capital Territory Administration, law-enforcement agencies, engineers, contractors and other relevant departments.

Officials have stressed the need to complete development schemes within stipulated timelines while ensuring quality and public convenience.

The Kashmir Chowk Underpass is therefore being viewed as part of a larger effort to modernise Islamabad’s transport infrastructure. Its completion is expected to improve mobility along an important corridor and ease pressure on surrounding roads.

As work on the project progresses, the underpass is expected to become another significant addition to Islamabad’s road network and contribute to the city’s ongoing transformation into a more connected and efficient federal capital.