ISLAMABAD, October 23, 2026: Construction of the Kashmir Chowk Underpass in Islamabad has reached 51 percent completion in just over two weeks, with the Capital Development Authority (CDA) directing project teams to maintain the pace of work and meet the stipulated 30-day completion deadline without compromising construction quality.
CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf reviewed progress during a visit to the project site on Friday, inspecting ongoing civil and structural works and assessing construction activities at the busy intersection.
According to a briefing given to the chairman, more than half of the project has been completed despite rain disrupting construction activities for two working days.
The chairman directed engineering and project management teams to ensure effective coordination, efficient use of resources and continuous monitoring of construction work to maintain progress.
He emphasised that the accelerated construction schedule must not come at the expense of engineering standards, structural durability or public safety.
CDA chairman reviews construction quality and safety
During the inspection, Sohail Ashraf instructed the concerned officers to closely supervise the remaining construction activities and ensure compliance with prescribed engineering and safety requirements.
He said timely completion was essential, but quality control and the convenience of road users must remain priorities throughout the construction process.
The Kashmir Chowk Underpass project was inaugurated through a groundbreaking ceremony performed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The CDA attributed the accelerated pace of construction to coordinated efforts under the direction of Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi and the authority’s project management teams.
Underpass expected to ease Islamabad-Rawalpindi traffic
The project is intended to address longstanding traffic congestion at Kashmir Chowk, one of Islamabad’s major intersections connecting important routes across the federal capital and Rawalpindi.
According to the CDA, the underpass is expected to improve traffic flow, reduce travel delays and provide smoother movement for thousands of commuters travelling between the twin cities.
The authority said improved connectivity would also contribute to safer and more efficient urban mobility.
Chairman Sohail Ashraf directed officials to complete the remaining work within the committed timeframe, ensuring that construction activities cause minimum inconvenience to motorists.
The CDA reaffirmed its commitment to completing the underpass within 30 days and said it would continue monitoring construction progress, quality standards and safety measures until the project is finished.