Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has directed CDA to finalise the design of a smart underpass at Kashmir Chowk in Islamabad within 10 days to help ease traffic congestion.
Deadline Set for Kashmir Chowk Smart Underpass Design
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has ordered the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to finalise the design of a proposed smart underpass at Kashmir Chowk in Islamabad within 10 days. The instruction was issued while he chaired a meeting at CDA Headquarters, where officials reviewed several ongoing and planned public welfare projects in the federal capital.
The proposed underpass is aimed at easing traffic congestion at Kashmir Chowk, a key junction used by thousands of commuters every day. By setting a strict timeline for the design, the minister signalled that the government wants to move quickly from planning to execution on priority infrastructure schemes.
Smart Underpass Planned to Ease Traffic Congestion
During the meeting, authorities decided that the new facility would be a smart underpass, incorporating modern traffic management and safety features. Such projects typically include improved lighting, drainage, signage and road geometry to ensure smoother traffic flow and safer passage for motorists.
Officials noted that chronic congestion at busy intersections not only wastes time and fuel but also adds to air pollution and driver frustration. The Kashmir Chowk underpass is expected to reduce signal stops, streamline vehicle movement and provide more reliable journey times for residents, office workers and visitors travelling through the area.
CDA Reviews Hotel, Commercial and Sanitation Projects
The agenda of the CDA meeting went beyond the underpass. Officials also reviewed plans to hire reputable companies for the construction of a five-star hotel in Islamabad. The project is intended to enhance the city’s hospitality capacity and support business tourism, official delegations and major events.
In addition, the Interior Minister directed CDA to present details of long-vacant commercial plots at the next meeting. By revisiting these stalled sites, the government aims to unlock new investment, generate revenue and make better use of prime urban land that has remained underutilised for years.
New Focus on Solid Waste Management and City Cleanliness
To improve sanitation services in the federal capital, the participants decided to form a special team to engage a solid waste management company. The aim is to strengthen garbage collection, disposal and recycling systems, which are critical to maintaining a clean and healthy urban environment.
Better solid waste management is expected to benefit residential areas, commercial zones and public spaces alike. Cleaner streets and more efficient collection can reduce health risks, improve the city’s appearance for residents and visitors, and support Islamabad’s image as a planned, well-maintained capital.
Land Allocated for Law Enforcement and Convention Centre Plans
Officials briefed the meeting that land has already been allocated for the headquarters of several law enforcement agencies in Islamabad. Centralising key security institutions is expected to improve coordination, response times and administrative efficiency.
The meeting also discussed proposals for a new convention centre in the city. Such a facility could host large conferences, exhibitions and cultural events, further boosting Islamabad’s role as a national and international meeting point for government, business and civil society.
Anti-Encroachment Drive to Support Public Welfare Projects
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reiterated that anti-encroachment operations in Islamabad would continue without interruption. He stressed that any land recovered from illegal occupation would be used strictly for public welfare projects, rather than left idle or diverted to private interests.
By linking encroachment removal with visible development work—such as underpasses, parks, public buildings and service facilities—the government aims to show citizens that reclaiming public land leads to direct benefits for the community. The Kashmir Chowk underpass design deadline is one example of this broader push to deliver infrastructure that responds to everyday needs of commuters and residents.
