CDA set to build Rs1.4bn Kashmir Chowk underpass in Islamabad
ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is all set to start another mega infrastructure project as the technical bids for the Kashmir Chowk underpass have been opened. Under the project, worth around Rs1.4 billion, the CDA will construct an underpass at Kashmir Chowk on Murree Road, commonly known as Dhokri Chowk, near Islamabad Club. Traffic moving towards Rawalpindi from the Serena…
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) in Islamabad is set to commence a significant infrastructure project with the technical bids for the Kashmir Chowk underpass opening soon. The project, estimated to cost around Rs1.4 billion, aims to construct an underpass at Kashmir Chowk on Murree Road, also referred to as Dhokri Chowk, near Islamabad Club. Vehicles traveling towards Rawalpindi from the Serena side will utilize the underpass, while the top slab (roof) will serve vehicles heading towards Murree.
Two construction firms, Habib Construction Services (HCS) and MS Kamran Khan (Kundi Group), submitted their technical bids. However, the CDA recently declared MS Kamran Kundi non-responsive during the technical evaluation. The non-responsive firm had filed a grievance with the CDA, which would be reviewed by the CDA committee within 15 days.
If the committee finds the grievance valid, the financial bids of both companies will be opened. Otherwise, the non-responsive firm will have the option to file a grievance before the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA).
Both companies have previously undertaken CDA works. Kundi Group has completed several CDA projects, including the IJP service road and Faizabad loop expansion. HCS, on the other hand, has successfully completed several high-profile mega projects worth billions of rupees, such as the Serena Interchange, Murree Road underpass, T-Chowk Flyover, and Shaheen Chowk underpass.
Additionally, the CDA is planning to construct another underpass at the junction of Faisal Avenue and Margalla Road. The preliminary design approval process for this project is underway, and the CDA anticipates that the Margalla Road traffic will utilize the underpass once the project is completed. Currently, two mega projects are in progress, with the 10th Avenue project, a federally funded scheme, remaining inactive due to a year's worth of unaddressed work.
Despite this, neither the federal government nor the CDA seems to be prioritizing its completion, despite the project's completion date being set for 2024.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
