Islamabad Breaks Ground on Srinagar Highway Link

Islamabad has embarked on a significant infrastructure upgrade with the groundbreaking ceremony for a vital underpass on Murree Road, designed to seamlessly connect it with the Srinagar Highway.

This ambitious project, with an estimated completion timeline of just over a month and a projected cost of ₹900 million (approximately £7.6 million), is poised to revolutionize vehicular movement, promising a continuous signal-free corridor from the Islamabad International Airport all the way to Muzaffarabad. The initiative directly addresses the long-standing demands of residents in Murree and adjacent areas for improved access to the Srinagar Highway, streamlining daily commutes and potentially reducing carbon emissions associated with idling vehicles at traffic signals.

The project has garnered appreciation from high-ranking government officials, highlighting the collaborative effort between various civic bodies in Islamabad to propel development initiatives forward. This underpass is particularly significant as it will eliminate the current necessity for traffic originating from Murree and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to navigate the congested Kashmir Chowk roundabout to access Srinagar Highway. This detour often resulted in significant traffic bottlenecks, causing frustration and delays for commuters. Upon completion, the underpass will enable vehicles from the Murree side heading towards Faizabad to proceed directly via dedicated link roads, significantly easing congestion at a key intersection.

This infrastructure development is being executed as an integral part of the previously completed Serena Interchange project, showcasing efficient resource utilisation and leveraging existing contractual agreements. The Capital Development Authority (CDA), the civic agency responsible for the project, is undertaking this expansion within permissible limits of the original contract, negating the need for a fresh tendering process. This strategic decision is projected to save valuable time and ensure the swift completion of the underpass, bringing immediate relief to daily commuters. CDA officials have clarified that this approach adheres strictly to established rules and regulations, with the project receiving unanimous approval from the CDA board, underscoring transparency and due diligence in its execution. The broader implications of this project extend beyond mere traffic management. By facilitating smoother vehicular flow, the underpass contributes to reduced fuel consumption and consequently lower greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the agenda of creating more sustainable and eco-friendly urban spaces. The enhanced connectivity also promises to foster more equitable access to the city’s infrastructure for residents of Murree, Bhara Kahu, and surrounding regions, many of whom commute daily for work or other essential activities. This improved accessibility can have a positive cascading effect on local economies and the overall quality of life for these communities.

While the immediate focus is on the efficient completion of the underpass within the stipulated timeframe and budget, the long-term vision encompasses a more integrated and sustainable urban transport network for Islamabad. The successful execution of this project could serve as a blueprint for future infrastructure developments aimed at enhancing connectivity, reducing congestion, and promoting environmentally conscious mobility solutions within the capital and potentially other urban centres facing similar challenges. The emphasis on leveraging existing contracts and adhering to regulatory frameworks also underscores a commitment to efficient governance and responsible resource management in the pursuit of urban development goals.

Islamabad Breaks Ground on Srinagar Highway Link