ISLAMABAD: Indefinite road closures, diversions and poor traffic management are now frustrating commuters and residents along Park Road, who see no end to their inconvenience caused by the construction of an underpass, which started almost six months ago.

“The dust, slush after rains and getting caught in the daily traffic misery is getting too much,” said Iqra Abbasi a student of Comsats University, while complaining about the slow work on the underpass.

A resident of Chak Shahzad particularly complained about improper measures to manage the dust kicked up by movement of heavy construction equipment especially dumper trucks. A few others complained about lack of visible progress on the road work.

While they welcome the fact that these were development works aimed at improving the life of city dwellers, the disturbingly slow speed of finishing road work on Park Road has particularly mounted frustration among the residents who have registered written complaint with Frontiers Works Organisation (FWO) and the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

Residents complain of slow work, urge FWO, civic agency to ensure that diversions are properly constructed and maintained for safe usage

In a letter, seen by Dawn, the residents have registered complaint regarding the ongoing construction of the underpass on Park Road, Chatta Bakhtawar. “While infrastructure development is appreciated, the manner in which this project has been initiated and executed has caused significant inconvenience and distress to residents of Park Enclave, Chak Shahzad, Shahzad Town, Bahria Enclave, Park View City, Comsats University, those commuting via Lehtrar Road, and many more. Park Road has become a major artery and carries a lot of traffic,” said the letter addressed to FWO, which is executing the construction work.

The residents complained that temporary diversions created were in an unacceptable condition. “They are quite uneven, poorly maintained, dusty, narrow (westbound) and hazardous for vehicles. There is a complete lack of proper signage, lane markings, or traffic management personnel, leading to chaotic and unsafe driving conditions.

During rainfall, the situation worsens significantly, as mud, cement slurry and construction debris accumulate on these diversions, causing damage to vehicles, particularly their suspension systems. The dust clouds are bad for engines, not to mention what motorcycle riders have to go through.”

The residents of these housing societies have also complained that daily commute time for residents had been drastically affected. Travel time, especially during peak hours, has increased by approximately 20 to 30 minutes each way, placing an unreasonable burden on individuals with work and school commitments. The disruption has been so severe that families have been compelled to temporarily relocate.

In light of these concerns, residents especially urged the FWO to ensure that diversions were properly constructed, leveled, and maintained for safe usage. They pleaded that thousands of affected citizens looked forward to response from FWO and the civic authority for a swift resolution of the issue.

Published in Dawn, May 27th, 2026