Islamabad’s Shaheen Chowk Underpass to Open in December, Promises Smooth Traffic Flow

Commuters in the capital are set to experience significant relief as the Shaheen Chowk Underpass is scheduled to open in early December 2025. Located at the congested junction of Khayaban-i-Iqbal (Margalla Road) and 9th Avenue, this project targets one of Islamabad’s busiest traffic hotspots.

Fast-Tracked Construction for Timely Delivery

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has prioritized this project, implementing round-the-clock construction shifts to ensure early completion. While the original plan allowed six months for construction, officials have committed to finishing it ahead of schedule without compromising quality or safety standards.

Design and Features

The underpass is engineered to allow traffic on Margalla Road to flow seamlessly underneath, while vehicles on 9th Avenue will use the top slab and adjacent service roads. This dual-level design is expected to dramatically reduce congestion during peak hours, improve commuter safety, and facilitate faster travel across the city’s main arteries.

Key highlights:

• Project Cost: Approximately Rs 1.3 billion

• Location: Junction of Khayaban-i-Iqbal and 9th Avenue

• Goal: Reduce travel time, minimize idling, and improve urban mobility

Benefits for Commuters and the City

Shaheen Chowk sees thousands of vehicles daily, including cars, buses, and commercial traffic. The new underpass will:

• Slash daily commuting times at a critical junction

• Reduce air pollution and noise caused by long traffic queues

• Enhance connectivity between key areas of Islamabad

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that the underpass is a strategic infrastructure project, aimed at transforming Islamabad into a more commuter-friendly city. Its completion is expected to set a benchmark for future urban development projects in the capital.

Part of a Broader Urban Upgrade

The Shaheen Chowk Underpass is one of several ongoing infrastructure projects in Islamabad, alongside the T-Chowk Flyover and other signal-free corridors. These projects are designed to modernize the city’s traffic system, ensuring smoother, faster, and safer movement for residents.

Looking Ahead

With the early December 2025 opening now confirmed, daily commuters can look forward to less traffic stress and faster travel, marking a significant improvement in Islamabad’s urban transport network.

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