ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to construct two underpasses on Srinagar Highway to resolve traffic mess at Serena Chowk.

Earlier, the CDA wanted to construct a flyover and an underpass at the same place, but now it has been decided that two underpasses would be constructed - one each on Khayaban-i-Suharwardi and Srinagar Highway.

Traffic from different roads, including Constitution Avenue, Khayaban-i-Suharwardi, Club Road (Murree Road), Srinagar Highway and Attaturk Avenue, among others, converge on this intersection, leading to congestion, particularly during peak hours.

A CDA source said following the directive of the interior minister, CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa directed the engineering wing to expedite working so that tenders could be floated soon.

Quoting the CDA chairman, sources said he had stated that to provide relief to people, who have been suffering a lot at Serena Chowk, this project once started should be completed in 90 days.

“We can complete this project in 90 days and I will provide you full support. You will have to take steps for early start and completion of this project,” Mr Randhawa was quoted as saying.

“Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had said that two underpasses and a signal-free corridor be constructed to facilitate citizens of Islamabad,” a press release issued by the interior ministry said.

Published in Dawn, May 22nd, 2024