The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is planning the launch of the Jinnah Avenue (9th Avenue) underpass on the eve of the New Year as the work on the project is in full swing and the contractor has been directed to expedite it further to meet the deadline i.e Dec 31.
According to official sources, the civic agency is also planning to hold a New Year ceremony on the Jinnah Avenue underpass to celebrate the completion of the work in less than 45-day period.
However, Serena Chowk Interchange might take more time and would be made open for public by mid-February, 2025.
A senior official told Pakistan Observer that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi during a recent visit to the projects at Jinnah Avenue and Serena Chowk directed the contractors to speed up the work and complete the projects within stipulated time.
During his visit to the under-construction Jinnah Avenue Interchange, the interior minister expressed satisfaction at the quality and pace of work and hoped the Interchange would be completed by February 15, however the deadline for the Underpass is December 31. It may be mentioned here that the project has two components – underpass and flyover.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was informed by the Interior Minister during a briefing that 100-day deadline for the project’s completion would be met.
During his visit to the Serena Interchange project the minister was briefed by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa that it would also be inaugurated before the deadline i.e. February 10, 2025.
Naqvi said efforts were being made to provide world-class facilities to the citizens of Islamabad, adding that the completion of these mega projects would significantly improve traffic flow in Islamabad.
Naqvi has been personally monitoring both Serena and Jinnah Avenue projects, getting regular updates and was visiting the sites whenever he got the chance, said the official.
Currently, he is on a visit to Saudi Arabia but he is being updated on the progress of the construction work on a daily basis, said the official.
The official said during his last visit to the Jinnah Avenue and the Serena Chowk, the minister had directed the CDA and contractor to ensure completion of the project within the stipulated time of two months.
CDA official said on the direction of the interior minister work will continue on both projects round the clock.
“We are committed to completing Serena underpasses projects and Jinnah Avenue underpass on time. Completion of these two projects in a short period of time will make a new record in Islamabad’s development history,” he said.
