CDA Greenlights Major Underpass at Shaheen Chowk to Ease Capital Gridlock

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In a decisive step toward tackling Islamabad’s worsening traffic congestion, the Capital Development Authority Development Working Party (CDA-DWP) has approved the construction of a key underpass at Shaheen Chowk. The project, aimed at relieving bottlenecks at the intersection of 9th Avenue and Khayaban-e-Iqbal, was sanctioned during the 76th CDA-DWP meeting chaired by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa at the authority’s headquarters.

Designed by M/s National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK), the underpass will be built at an estimated cost of PKR 1.899 billion. It includes a dual-component structure, an underpass facilitating uninterrupted traffic along Khayaban-e-Iqbal and a roundabout system to manage right-turn flows. Officials have stated that the project will be completed within six months, reflecting a sense of urgency to address traffic flow problems in one of the capital’s most congested zones.

Islamabad’s infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with its growing population and increasing vehicle count. The approval of this project marks a welcome shift from bureaucratic delay to action-oriented governance. With the CDA now focused on urban efficiency, projects such as the Shaheen Chowk underpass reflect a prioritisation of practical solutions over political posturing. Effective urban planning, especially when timely, can significantly reduce economic losses caused by traffic jams and improve quality of life for daily commuters.

The move also underscores a broader trend: capital cities cannot rely on outdated road systems to manage 21st-century traffic loads. This project, if executed within its stated timeline, will set a valuable precedent for other city development authorities across Pakistan. It’s also a signal that Islamabad may be gearing up for a long-overdue overhaul of its transport grid. In a time where infrastructure gaps often widen due to indecision and red tape, swift execution and transparency will be critical. The success of this underpass could not only unclog a key intersection but also serve as a blueprint for future development grounded in need, not noise.