ISLAMABAD: Though the Capital Development Authority (CDA) is optimistic about meeting the deadline, ground realities show that there are slim chances the civic agency would get the Serena Interchange project completed in 60 days.

According to the set target, the project is supposed to be completed on January 5. However, during a visit to the site by Dawn on Sunday, it seemed unlikely that the project would be ready by Jan 5.

Out of the three underpasses, however, the main Khayaban-i-Suhrawardi underpass would be opened to traffic on January 5 while the two others on Srinagar Highway could face a delay of up to two weeks.

Sources said work continued at full pace on all the three underpasses and Suhrawardi underpass would be ready for inauguration on January 5. After this, they added, efforts would be made to complete the remaining two underpasses within the next two weeks.

The foundation stone of the project worth Rs4.2 billion (along with 9th Avenue project) was laid down by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on November 5. The project was supposed to be completed in 60 days.

CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi have been frequently visiting the project site and on Sunday the civic agency chief also visited the area and directed the contractor to ensure timely completion of the project.

“The underpass on Suhrawardi road is the main component of the project which is going to be inaugurated on January 5. As far as the two other underpasses are concerned, they are also on track as work continues round the clock and they too would be completed within a few days after the completion Suhrawardi underpass,” said a CDA officer.

He said unexpected hard rock and slush caused some delay as a running nullah was also passing from the site.

“But now, hurdles have been removed. By January 5, we will complete the main Serena underpass and if the two other underpasses face delay of a few days that’s not a big deal as we can’t compromise on quality for speed,” he said. Originally, this project was supposed to be completed in six months, but the CDA was directed to complete it in 60 days, he added.

CDA Director Media Shahid Kiani claimed that the project would be completed by January 5.

Another official said once completed, this project would provide relief to citizens who used to face traffic congestions and prolonged traffic signals. However, motorists coming from Murree side would not get full benefit of the project until an underpass is constructed on Murree Road as there is no direct link between Srinagar Highway and Murree Road.

In the absence of any link, currently traffic coming from Murree side uses the congested roundabout on Kashmir Highway to move into the city.

However, the CDA director media said they were cognizant of the issue and a consultant had already been working to come up with a solution to connect Srinagar Highway and Murree Road.

“After completing the ongoing project, we will move towards the Murree Road and ensure connectivity between Srinagar Highway and Murree Road,” he said.

Published in Dawn, December 30th, 2024