ISLAMABAD: Contrary to the earlier fixed deadline of 60 days, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday said the Serena Chowk project will be completed in three months.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Interior, Mr Naqvi visited the project site and reviewed the progress of work. “This project will now be built in just 3 months,” said the press release.

During his visit to the site, the minister tasked the CDA with completing the project ahead of the new schedule. He inspected the ongoing construction work and issued directions for the timely completion of the project.

The minister, when the foundation stone of the project was laid by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last month, had set a 60-day deadline for the completion of the project.

According to press release, Mr Naqvi said the completion of the mega project will resolve traffic-related problems in the capital for years. He said people from other cities coming to Islamabad will also get convenience in transportation.

Mr Naqvi said that under the Serena Chowk Interchange project, two underpasses and connecting roads were being built. He stated that he was personally monitoring the project to ensure its completion within the stipulated period. He instructed that the project should be completed within the stipulated period by continuing 24/7 construction work. The minister stressed that during the construction work the alternative traffic plan should be strictly implemented.

He was given a detailed briefing regarding the construction of Serena Chowk Interchange. The CDA chairman, the deputy commissioner Islamabad and other senior officers were present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, an officer of the CDA said the project was on the right track and the civic agency was making efforts to get it completed in two months.

“The project could face delay of a few days, but we are making all-out efforts by round-the-clock working to complete it in the stipulated two months time,” he said.

It is relevant to note here that traffic coming from Murree side may not get proper advantage of the project as there is no direct link between Srinagar Highway and traffic coming from Murree side. Until and unless an underpass is constructed on Murree Road, traffic coming from Murree will continue using the roundabout near Islamabad Club to enter Srinagar Highway through a slip road.

However, an officer of the CDA said that the civic agency was cognizant of the issue and working on a design to come up with a viable solution.

“After completing the ongoing project, we will resolve the connectivity issue of Murree Road and Srinagar Highway,” he said.

Published in Dawn, December 7th, 2024