City and District Real Estate News

Islamabad : ReNews Pakistan
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is set to launch construction of the long-awaited Kashmir Chowk underpass, with preparatory work already underway and the project expected to enter full-scale construction following a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for October 5.
CDA officials said work on a diversion road and shifting of utilities has already started to facilitate construction activity at the busy intersection. Excavation and major civil works will commence after the groundbreaking ceremony.
The project has moved into the execution phase following the completion of the CDA’s technical evaluation of bids submitted by Habib Construction Services (HCS) and MS Kamran Khan (Kundi Group). According to the bidding process, one bidder was declared non-responsive, while HCS’s financial bid was opened for further consideration.
HCS quoted Rs1.45 billion for the project, compared with the estimated cost of Rs1.486 billion mentioned in the tender documents. The contractor has formally been given 90 days to complete the underpass.
However, CDA officials are aiming to complete the project within approximately two months under a fast-track construction schedule. The authority has cited HCS’s recent experience in completing major CDA infrastructure schemes, including the Serena Interchange, Murree Road underpass, T-Chowk flyover and Sheen Chowk underpass, as a factor supporting the accelerated timeline.
The Kashmir Chowk underpass is expected to improve traffic movement between Islamabad and Rawalpindi by separating through traffic from vehicles using the surface road. Under the planned traffic arrangement, vehicles travelling from the Serena side towards Rawalpindi will pass through the underpass, while traffic heading towards Murree will continue to use the road above.
The project is part of the CDA’s broader infrastructure development programme aimed at improving traffic circulation and upgrading major road corridors in the capital. The authority is also preparing to launch several other major projects, including a cricket stadium, an additional block at the Jinnah Convention Centre, Safari Park and the National History Museum at Malpur.
The Kashmir Chowk project is expected to bring changes to traffic patterns in the surrounding area during construction, while its completion is intended to provide a more efficient route for traffic moving between key Islamabad and Rawalpindi corridors.

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan
Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Director General Tahir Farooq has reviewed ongoing development works in several key areas of Lahore under the Sustainable Development Model and directed officials to accelerate the projects while ensuring the highest standards of construction and execution.
The LDA DG visited Gulberg, MM Alam Road, Ali Zaib Road, Link Jail Road and Tollinton Market. Project Director Haroon Saifi and other relevant officials briefed him on the progress of ongoing development activities and various components of the projects.
Officials informed the DG that development work under the Sustainable Development Model is underway in Gulberg, MM Alam Road, Ali Zaib Road and Link Jail Road. The project includes the construction of pedestrian footpaths and walkways, along with the installation of tough tiles at various locations to improve accessibility and the overall urban environment.
The briefing further revealed that uniform green belts are being developed to enhance the appearance of the roads and surrounding areas. Internet and other overhead wires are also being gradually shifted underground to improve the visual environment of major roads and commercial areas while supporting better urban management.
Tahir Farooq directed the concerned officials to further accelerate the pace of development work and ensure that there is no compromise on construction and installation quality. He also emphasized timely completion of the projects and improved civic facilities for residents and visitors.
The LDA DG said the Sustainable Development Model is being gradually extended to other LDA schemes. The initiative aims to improve basic urban facilities, pedestrian infrastructure, green spaces and other components of the city’s infrastructure in line with modern urban development requirements.
Later, Tahir Farooq visited Tollinton Market and reviewed ongoing activities there. The Project Director and relevant officials accompanied him during the visit.
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