Shehbaz opens Islamabad's Kashmir Chowk underpass built in 27 days

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the Kashmir Chowk underpass in Islamabad on Thursday, opening to traffic a project that cost Rs1.45 billion and that he said was completed in 27 days.

The underpass is accompanied by about 4 km of connecting roads. Aaj News reported that the scheme is meant to reduce traffic pressure on the busy highways around the site and to improve travel between Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree and Azad Kashmir.

The project included planting 6,340 trees and building two monuments at the site on the theme of Kashmir, according to the same report.

Officials briefed the prime minister on the construction work and the different parts of the project at the ceremony in Islamabad.

In his address, Shehbaz said finishing the work in 27 days was an unusual achievement and that he did not recall another project completed at such speed. He said the underpass would help resolve traffic problems in the area.

He described the project as practical proof of preparations for next year's SCO conference and other major events in the capital.

On cost, the prime minister said the contract was awarded through a transparent procurement system and e-bidding at about 2.5 per cent below the estimated cost. He said hard work and collective effort could take Pakistan to development and prosperity, and spoke of his commitment to serving the nation and to the country's standing among nations.

He congratulated Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Capital Development Authority, the contractor and all the officers and staff who worked on the project, thanking them for their effort, transparency and sense of responsibility.

UrduPoint reported separately that Islamabad Traffic Police announced traffic diversions at various points on the Express Highway and the Srinagar Highway on Thursday.