ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Monday said work on the PWD underpass on Islamabad Expressway will be completed in April this year.

According to the CDA, earthwork and pipe culverts for east and west ramps of the project have already been completed.

A press release said the CDA was taking steps for the completion of various delayed projects. Work on the project was initiated in Sept 2020 and supposed to be completed within seven months.

“So far, 27pc work on the project has been completed and construction of box culverts is underway,” the press release said.

The project was awarded to the contractor last year against Rs438 million which was 17pc below the estimated cost.

“Work on the PWD underpass is in progress and we will ensure its completion within the stipulated time,” said Member Engineering Ayaz Khan.

Meanwhile, the CDA has also awarded contract for expansion of Korang Bridge on the expressway against Rs658 million, which was also 16pc below the estimated cost. Work on this project was started in September and will be completed in December this year.

CDA officials said pile testing work at the site is being done and fully- fledged work will be started after completion of the testing work. The expressway is one of the busiest roads in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad as it also caters to inter-provincial traffic.

Traffic congestion is a regular feature on this road, particularly form Koral Chowk to GT Road. However, CDA officials said after completion of the two projects, the issue of traffic gridlocks will be resolved to some extent.

The civic agency is also planning to widen the highway from Koral to GT Road through public-private partnership as recently the federal cabinet approved an amendment to the CDA Ordinance 1960, allowing it to start projects through private partnership.

Published in Dawn, January 19th, 2021