ISLAMABAD, October 28, 2026: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sohail Ashraf has directed project teams to accelerate construction of the Kashmir Chowk Underpass and ensure its completion within the stipulated timeframe without compromising engineering standards, construction quality or public safety.
The directives were issued during his visit to the project site on Wednesday, where he reviewed ongoing construction activities and assessed progress on the underpass, which is expected to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity between Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
During a briefing, officials informed the CDA chairman that construction work was progressing at an accelerated pace despite rainfall disrupting activities for two working days.
Ashraf inspected the ongoing civil and structural works and instructed engineering and project management teams to maintain construction momentum through effective coordination, efficient resource utilisation and continuous monitoring.
He emphasised that all construction activities must comply with approved engineering specifications and quality standards, particularly regarding structural durability and public safety.
Traffic management during construction prioritised
The CDA chairman directed officials to minimise inconvenience to commuters while construction work continues.
He stressed the importance of effective traffic management around the project site, appropriate safety arrangements and measures to reduce disruption to daily road users.
Ashraf said the Kashmir Chowk Underpass was an important public infrastructure project aimed at addressing longstanding traffic congestion at one of Islamabad’s major intersections.
He maintained that the authority would closely monitor construction activities to ensure timely delivery and compliance with professional engineering standards.
Project aims to improve twin-city connectivity
The groundbreaking ceremony of the Kashmir Chowk Underpass was performed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The project is being undertaken as part of the federal government’s infrastructure development initiatives, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi overseeing efforts to accelerate major development schemes in Islamabad.
According to CDA, the underpass is designed to improve traffic flow at Kashmir Chowk, reduce bottlenecks and facilitate smoother movement between Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Once completed, the project is expected to reduce travel time and provide greater convenience to thousands of commuters who regularly use the intersection.
The authority said improved traffic circulation would also strengthen connectivity across the twin cities and contribute to a more efficient urban transport network.
CDA pledges continued monitoring
CDA officials said the project had maintained satisfactory construction progress despite weather-related interruptions.
The authority also reported positive public feedback regarding infrastructure initiatives aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the federal capital.
Ashraf reiterated that CDA would continue monitoring construction progress and addressing operational challenges to ensure the underpass was completed according to approved specifications.
He directed the relevant departments to maintain coordination and ensure that construction quality, worker safety and commuter convenience remained priorities throughout the remaining work.
The CDA chairman said timely completion of the Kashmir Chowk Underpass would help improve urban mobility and provide long-term benefits to residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.