Islamabad, June 25, 2025: A portion of the newly constructed Serena Underpass in Islamabad collapsed after the season’s first heavy monsoon downpour, igniting strong criticism from the public and raising serious concerns about the quality of infrastructure projects executed by the Capital Development Authority (CDA).
The incident, which occurred on the turning stretch leading to Srinagar Highway, was caught on camera and widely shared on social media. The video footage revealed a deep sinkhole in the road and showed a CDA excavator on-site, clearing rubble and assessing the damage. The shocking visuals triggered widespread concern and debate across digital platforms.
The Serena Underpass, which was developed at a cost of Rs. 4.2 billion and inaugurated earlier this year, was praised as a milestone project aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the capital. Completed in a record 84 days, the underpass system includes three sections: one on Khayaban-e-Suhrawardy and two underpasses on Srinagar Highway. The portion that collapsed falls under the Srinagar Highway section.
Social media erupted with criticism, as users questioned the CDA’s decision to fast-track the project at the expense of construction quality. Many accused authorities of negligence and alleged that the collapse was the result of substandard construction. Hashtags related to poor infrastructure, misuse of public funds, and demands for accountability quickly began trending.
Experts and initial assessments suggest that poor drainage systems and weak roadbed preparation may have played a significant role in the collapse. Despite the absence of an official detailed explanation from CDA, urgent repair work has already begun. Heavy-duty equipment is now being used to stabilize the collapsed section and ensure the area is safe for vehicles.
This incident has reignited the ongoing debate about the reliability of Pakistan’s public infrastructure. Citizens and watchdog groups are now calling for an independent inquiry into the project’s construction and quality assurance processes.
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As Islamabad braces for more rain in the coming weeks, the Serena Underpass collapse serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of hasty planning and weak execution in public development projects.
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