Shaheen Chowk underpass opens to traffic ahead of New Year

ISLAMABAD: The residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi welcomed the New Year with the opening of the Shaheen Chowk underpass, a major infrastructure project designed to ease traffic in one of the city’s busiest intersections.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that the underpass would be accessible to traffic immediately, while a grand fireworks display at F-9 Park will mark the New Year at midnight, with special arrangements made for families.

He said that traffic flow is being closely monitored by the City Traffic Officer, and the Chief Commissioner is personally overseeing the event.

Earlier, Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa visited the site ahead of its inauguration, reviewing the progress of different sections.

Officials told him that the underpass had been completed in a record 63 days. The facility is expected to provide signal-free movement, significantly reducing congestion and saving commuters both time and fuel.

Randhawa expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, noting that early completion reflected improved project management and inter-departmental coordination. Permanent decorative lighting has been installed to improve aesthetics and visibility, and officials said the project would provide immediate relief for motorists, particularly during peak hours.

The Shaheen Chowk underpass is part of Islamabad’s broader efforts to upgrade road infrastructure and improve traffic flow, addressing the growing pressure from increasing vehicular traffic in the capital.