ISLAMABAD: Two new road infrastructure projects are planned in Islamabad as the interior minister on Wednesday announced the construction of underpasses at Kashmir Chowk and Faisal Masjid to ease traffic congestion and improve public convenience.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has already floated a tender for the construction of an underpass at Kashmir Chowk near Islamabad Club, which will be opened on August 12. The estimated cost of the project is Rs1.69 billion.

Under the project, CDA will construct an underpass to provide direct access to traffic heading towards Rawal Dam Chowk, while traffic travelling towards Murree will pass over the roof of the underpass.

Officials said the Faisal Masjid underpass would be constructed at the junction of Faisal Avenue and Margalla Road. The project is currently in the design stage, and officials said traffic on Margalla Road may pass through the underpass.

CDA to construct Kashmir Chowk underpass at Rs1.69 billion; Interior minister orders early establishment of four Rescue 1122 centres

“Presiding over a meeting at CDA Headquarters, Naqvi reviewed ongoing and new development projects in the capital. Officials briefed him on the progress of various mega projects in Islamabad and future planning,” a press release issued by the Ministry of Interior stated.

The minister also directed that work on the Expressway Service Road project be completed within the stipulated timeline.

Recently, CDA started work on the service road project to replace the dilapidated road with a dual carriageway. CDA sources said the minister wanted the project completed within three months. However, it may take longer as the 8.5-kilometre road project also includes an underpass and a flyover.

According to the press release, the minister expressed displeasure over the absence of a formal Emergency 1122 setup in Islamabad and directed authorities to take immediate measures to make Capital Emergency Services functional.

“Complete all legal requirements and start work on four new centres of Capital Emergency Services as soon as possible,” Mr Naqvi directed.

Four new Rescue 1122 centres and fire stations will be established in sectors G-11, I-14, I-9 and Model Town Humak. CDA has already floated tenders for these centres.

Once completed, the centres will have fire tenders and ambulances to respond to emergencies.

The project for establishing these stations was initially announced in 2008, but no practical steps were taken to begin construction work except the allocation of plots by CDA’s planning wing.

“These centres are needed for the city, and once established, they will greatly help in dealing with emergencies. Our response time will improve significantly. Currently, we face difficulties in reaching these areas on time,” a CDA official said.

He added that CDA would also receive 21 new fire tenders as a gift from China, which are expected to arrive this month.

Meanwhile, the interior minister’s meeting also discussed proposals to increase CDA’s permanent revenue.

The minister stressed the need to develop a sustainable revenue model to ensure the authority’s financial self-reliance.

“Along with development projects, the financial strength of the institution is equally important. Ensure early progress on viable projects to increase revenue,” he said.

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2026