Islamabad’s Shaheen Chowk underpass construction hits 50pc mark
ISLAMABAD: Work on the Shaheen Chowk underpass is continuing at full pace, with around 50 per cent of the project completed so far.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif laid the foundation stone of the Rs1.3 billion project, a 1.3-kilometre underpass, on October 24. Since then, officials said the work has been progressing rapidly, and around 50pc has been completed. According to the PC-I, the project’s completion time is six months.
However, during a visit to the construction site, it was observed that if the pace of work continues, the project may be completed by the end of December, possibly by December 25.
Meanwhile, Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) Mohammad Ali Randhawa, along with Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza, visited the construction site to inspect the ongoing activities, according to a press release.
During the briefing, officers informed the CDA chairman that 80pc of the barrel wall work for the Shaheen Chowk underpass has been completed.
The chairman was told that 60pc of the wall work for Ramp One has also been completed, while 100pc of the project’s barrel girder work has been finished.
The engineering wing informed him that earthwork and roadwork are progressing rapidly, and construction of the walls for Ramp Two has begun. He was further apprised that construction activities are ongoing round-the-clock to ensure timely completion.
According to the press release, the CDA chairman expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved so far. He directed officials to ensure high-quality standards throughout the construction process.
“All construction work must be completed according to the project’s schedule and timelines. Work should also be done on aesthetically pleasing landscaping, digital boards and LED lights to enhance the project’s beautification,” the chairman was quoted as saying.
Mr Randhawa said the underpass will prove to be a significant step in resolving Islamabad’s traffic issues. He said the project will provide signal-free travel for daily commuters and students from educational institutions in adjoining areas, while reducing traffic congestion.
He directed the project director and resident engineers to ensure the highest construction standards by effectively monitoring all ongoing activities.
Meanwhile, sources said work on another mega project, the T-Chowk flyover, is also continuing at full pace and is now nearing completion. Both fast-track projects are being carried out by the same contractors, and around 70pc of the T-Chowk project has been completed.
“Our target is to complete the T-Chowk project next month,” an official said. Under the project, the flyover will provide direct access to the Islamabad Expressway for traffic coming from Lahore.