ISLAMABAD: Groundbreaking of the Kashmir Chowk underpass is expected to take place on Oct 5, as the Capital Development Authority (CDA) is currently constructing a diversion road before starting work on the project.

“Construction work and digging for the underpass project will start after the groundbreaking ceremony, which is expected on Oct 5,” a CDA official said.

Besides the underpass, the CDA is also planning to launch four other projects soon, including construction of a cricket stadium, an additional block at the Jinnah Convention Centre, Safari Park and the National History Museum in the Malpur area.

The contract for the Kashmir Chowk underpass has been mobilised and construction of the diversion road is currently under way, while utility shifting is also in progress.

CDA constructs diversion road before starting work on the project

Last month, the CDA opened technical bids submitted by two construction firms, Habib Construction Services (HCS) and MS Kamran Khan (Kundi Group). The authority declared one of the firms non-responsive during the technical evaluation.

The financial bid of the remaining bidder, HCS, was subsequently opened and stood at Rs1.45 billion against the Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) cost of Rs1.486 billion.

According to the bidding document, the project is to be completed in 90 days. However, CDA officials said work was expected to be completed within two months on a fast-track basis, citing HCS’s record of completing several other CDA projects in a short period during the past two years, including Serena Interchange, Murree Road underpass, T-Chowk flyover and Sheen Chowk underpass.

After completion of the underpass, traffic travelling towards Rawalpindi from the Serena side will use it, while the roof of the underpass will be used by vehicles travelling towards Murree.

Meanwhile, CDA sources said the civic agency was focusing on four other projects and efforts were being made for their early launch.

“Our cricket stadium project is almost ready and can be started anytime soon, maybe in the third week of October, as the bidding process has already been completed,” an official said.

The bid for the cricket stadium’s structure and road network was opened on July 19, 2026, with the lowest bid of Rs8.9 billion submitted by HCS.

According to the CDA’s plan, the proposed stadium is to be constructed in Zone III near D-12. Under CDA bylaws, all types of construction are banned in the zone.

However, the CDA says sports and recreational facilities can be established there and that a cricket stadium falls within this category.

Meanwhile, CDA officials said the civic agency had already invited tenders for the upgradation and construction of an additional block at the Jinnah Convention Centre. The project will also be executed on a fast-track basis for next year’s SCO Conference.

Officials said two other projects, including Safari Park and the National History Museum, were also under discussion, while the CDA’s environment wing had been making efforts for their early launch. Both facilities will be developed in the Malpur area.

Sources said all five projects had also been discussed at a recent CDA meeting attended by the chairman and all board members.

“Yes, all these five projects are on the CDA’s priority list and we want an early start of these projects,” a CDA official said.

Published in Dawn, October 1st, 2026