Islamabad, 12 May, 2025: Capital’s Main Highway is set for a significant upgrade as authorities in Islamabad have sanctioned the expansion of the Srinagar Highway by adding a third lane between Jinnah Square (also known as Serena Interchange) and Murree Road.
The initiative is aimed at reducing daily congestion and facilitating smoother access across key parts of the capital.
The approval comes as part of broader infrastructural improvements, particularly with the Murree Road underpass nearing final completion.
Officials confirmed that nearly 80% of the construction work has been finished, with the project expected to be inaugurated on May 22.
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Once operational, the underpass will provide direct connectivity to the Capital’s Main Highway, sparing motorists from the usual detour via Dhokri Chowk.
The underpass is one of the major components of the Rs 4.2 billion Jinnah Square development scheme.
According to Capital Development Authority (CDA) representatives, Rs 250 million was saved from the core project’s budget.
These savings, along with Rs 600 million in additional allocations, are being directed to complete the new segment.
The CDA board also approved a 15% increase in the project’s scope, allowing the existing contractor to carry out the expansion without initiating a new bidding process.
In a parallel development, the CDA floated tenders valued at Rs 1 billion for further enhancements in the vicinity.
These include road widening, structural refinements, and the creation of a new slip road to link Globe Chowk directly with Capital’s Main Highway.
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Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, during a recent site inspection, instructed that all work be concluded before the end of May.
He also called for landscaping and beautification of the surrounding area. CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa noted that three out of four planned slip roads are already operational, accelerating overall connectivity improvements.
These upgrades are expected to significantly reduce traffic pressure on one of Islamabad’s busiest routes and enhance commuter convenience across the metropolitan region.
