ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday inaugurated an underpass on Jinnah Avenue in Sector F-8 while appreciating the interior minister and his team for completing the construction of the 950-metre-long underpass in 42 days.

The Jinnah Avenue project worth Rs4.1 billion has two components – an underpass and a flyover. As per the deadline, the project started on November 5 and is supposed to be completed within 100 days.

The underpass has been completed while 57 per cent of work on the flyover has also been accomplished, with the project expected to be completed in February next year, according to CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa who briefed the premier.

The underpass will cater to the traffic coming from F-10 while the flyover (half done) will be used by commuters going towards F-10 from the Blue Area

Shehbaz lauds CDA, interior minister for efficient work; flyover likely to be completed in Feb next year

After inaugurating the project, PM Shehbaz Sharif praised Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman Randhawa and his team for completing the underpass in the record time.

“Completing this project in 42 days, Mohsin Naqvi, you and your team have set a new record and everyone involved in these unprecedented construction activities deserves appreciation,” said PM Shehbaz.

He further appreciated the construction firm for completing this project.

PM Shehbaz said the project would be highly beneficial for the people of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

He also lauded the role of traffic police in managing traffic during construction activities. According to the prime minister, another mega project Serena Interchange is also underway and it will be completed at the same pace.

Speaking on the occasion, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the initial timeline of the Jinnah Avenue project was six months, but the CDA was directed to get it completed in 100 days.

He said the flyover was underway at full pace and would be completed in February.

The minister acknowledged that after the completion of the flyover, the F-10 roundabout would likely face traffic congestion.

However, he added that in the next five days, a feasible solution to this problem would be formulated. He also said that the Serena project would also be completed in 60-day time. Mr Naqvi said that on the order of the PM, a nursery will also be set up in Islamabad by March 2025.

He also said that two five-star hotels would be built in Islamabad and soon a plan would be shared with the federal government in this regard. It is relevant to note that the CDA conducted an auction of two hotel plots in Sector F-5, but remained unsuccessful. The CDA is now mulling a public-private partnership.

Meanwhile, the minister informed the PM he would soon be requested to inaugurate the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where the construction work would be completed in 75 days.

Published in Dawn, December 25th, 2024