ISLAMABAD: Railway Constructions Pakistan Limited (Railcop) is all set to get a contract of construction of double barrel underpass near Serena Hotel and widening of a portion of Srinagar Highway.

In response to bids called by Capital Development Authority (CDA) from only government run construction firms, Railcop and National Logistic Cell (NLC) participated in the bidding process. The bid worth Rs 2.1 billion submitted by Railcop turned to be lowest against the bid of over three billion rupees submitted by NLC. Therefore, the Railcop is going to be awarded the said project.

During a progress review meeting held here at CDA’s headquarters under the supervision of CDA ChairmanNoorul Amin Mengal, besides ongoing projects, the meeting also discussed the said project.

The engineering wing of the CDA told the meeting that Railcop was the lowest bidder and after the bid evaluation process, this company will be issued work orders.

Under this project, the contractor will finalise design of the underpass before starting construction work. Besides that, existing Srinagar Highway from 7th Avenue Interchange to Serna Chowk will also be widened with two additional lanes. Further, last portion of this Highway from said junction to Murree Road will also be overhauled. Once started, the design and construction work of the project will be completed in six months time.

Currently, prolonged traffic signal at the junction of Serena Chowk, has been causing traffic mess, creating problems for motorists. Traffic jam could be seen during rush hours. “Once this project is completed the issue of traffic jam at this junction will be resolved and Srinagar Highway will be a signal free artery,” said an engineer of CDA. He said that for the last many years, the CDA has been receiving complaints for traffic mess at the said junction.

Meanwhile, the participants of the meeting were also told that recently, the civic agency has been awarded work for widening of Jinnah Avenue from F-8 to F-10. The meeting was told that inauguration of the project will be carried out today (Wednesday). Sources said that the Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah is expected to inaugurate this project on Wednesday.

While reviewing ongoing projects, the meeting was told that Bhara Kau bypass is near completion and only a few days worth of work is pending on the main project. Also,the meeting was told that work on several other projects including construction of road from D-12 to E-11 and widening of Islamabad highway is in progress. The chair directed the CDA official to ensure timely completion of all ongoing projects.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2023