CDA set to build Rs1.4bn Kashmir Chowk underpass in Islamabad
ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is all set to start another mega infrastructure project as the technical bids for the Kashmir Chowk underpass have been opened.
Under the project, worth around Rs1.4 billion, the CDA will construct an underpass at Kashmir Chowk on Murree Road, commonly known as Dhokri Chowk, near Islamabad Club.
Traffic moving towards Rawalpindi from the Serena side will use the underpass, while the top slab (roof of the underpass) will be used by vehicles moving towards Murree.
Recently, the CDA opened the technical bids submitted by two construction firms, including Habib Construction Services (HCS) and MS Kamran Khan (Kundi Group). Sources said that during the technical evaluation, the CDA declared MS Kamran Kundi non-responsive.
However, the company filed a grievance with the CDA. Officials said that until a decision on the complaint is made, the CDA cannot open the financial bids.
“Yes, two companies were in the race and one has been declared non-responsive. That company has filed a grievance and after five days, the CDA will decide the fate of this complaint. In case the CDA’s committee thinks the grievance is valid, then financial bids of both companies will be opened. Otherwise, the non-responsive company will have the option to file a grievance before PPRA,” said a
CDA official, adding that in any case, the issue would be decided within 15 days.
It is relevant to note that both companies have been undertaking CDA works.
Kundi Group has completed several CDA projects, including the IJP service road and Faizabad loop expansion, while several of its other works with the CDA, including sector development projects, have either been completed or are ongoing.
HCS, meanwhile, has successfully completed several mega projects worth billions of rupees during the last two years, including the Serena Interchange, Murree Road underpass, T-Chowk Flyover and Shaheen Chowk underpass projects.
When asked about the controversy surrounding the project in the form of a grievance filed by one of the companies, a CDA engineer said, “No, there is no controversy attached to this project. Filing a grievance is a
routine matter, and after being declared disqualified or non-responsive, it is the right of any company to file a grievance before the CDA and Ppra.”
Besides this project, another underpass is in the pipeline as the CDA is planning to construct an underpass at the junction of Faisal Avenue and Margalla Road. CDA officials said the PC-I for the project was being finalised and the civic agency would soon complete the process before moving towards inviting tenders.
“Since the design is not finalised, I can’t say anything with surety, but I guess Margalla Road traffic will use the underpass after completion of this proposed project,” said a CDA engineer, adding that after completion of Shaheen Chowk, the flow of traffic on Margalla Road had improved significantly.
Currently, two mega projects are in progress as the CDA has launched a record number of road-related projects during the last two years.
Meanwhile, the mega 10th Avenue project, a federally funded scheme, has remained abandoned for more than a year, with 50 per cent of the work still remaining.
Neither the federal government nor the CDA is paying heed to its completion, although the project was supposed to be completed in 2024.