Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi says the Shaheen Chowk underpass is in its final phase, with 24/7 work underway to open within one month and ease traffic jams.
What The Project Is and Why It Matters
The Shaheen Chowk underpass will eliminate a significant roadblock on one of the busiest intersections in Islamabad. This separation of through-traffic and surface crossings will reduce long queues during peak hours, eliminate the risk of accidents, and increase the reliability of travel time to personnel going to offices, school bus, and intercity commuters. The design will preserve the left-turns and service lanes operating at grade as the main traffic flows proceed under it with reduced stops.
Latest Update: One‑Month Deadline, 24/7 Work
On Friday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid a visit to the site and surveyed the progress and ordered the teams to work round-the-clock. He commended the rate up to date and emphasized on the fact that prompt completion was necessary to minimize suffering among the daily drivers. Member Engineering of CDA informed the minister and assured him that resources are mobilised to achieve the one month opening target.
Traffic Benefits and Safety Gains
When it becomes functional, the underpass will reduce average delays at the crossroad and also even out the wave of traffic that is frequently extended to the other junctions. Reduced number of stop and go cycles results into reduced fuel consumption and emissions whereas improved discipline among lanes within the underpass decreases random lane cuts that lead to fender-benders. Pedestrian and motorcycle safety should also be enhanced with better visibility and channelisation on the surface.
Construction Status Final Phase Tasks
The project has been in its last phase. End stage work is usually road base laying, asphalt surfacing, expansion joints, laying of barriers, connection of drainage, signage, lighting and safety audits. Utility change and last-mile activities, which are curbs, cat-eyes, lane marks, and guardrails, are also being aligned to enable test running before opening. According to the officials, quality checks will be carried out concurrently to ensure that the schedule is not compromised.
What Drivers Should Expect at Opening
On opening, the through-traffic will be underground and the surface lanes will take up the local access and U-turn and controlled turns. To avoid getting hit by the echo-noise and the braking shock, the motorists should adhere to new lane markings and observe speed limits within the underpass. During the initial weeks, there might be short delays as people will be accustomed to the new structure, with a small margin, you might consider in your commute. When you are utilizing ride-hailing or delivery apps, place pick-up points in service roads, not next to underpass mouths to prevent abrupt stops.
Simple Travel Tips During the Final Month
- Check CDA and Islamabad Traffic Police updates for any temporary diversions near Shaheen Chowk.
• Use alternative routes during peak hours if lane closures are announced for surfacing or testing.
• Keep safe distance from work zones; obey flagmen and temporary signs, especially at night.
• For school runs, leave 10–15 minutes early until the new pattern settles after opening.
• Motorcyclists: avoid riding alongside heavy vehicles inside narrow work corridors.
Officials reiterated that relieving citizens from traffic problems is a top priority and that quality will not be compromised while meeting the one‑month deadline.
