Islamabad Closes Kashmir Chowk for Underpass Construction

Islamabad Traffic Police has closed Kashmir Chowk to traffic until further notice as construction work on the Kashmir Chowk Underpass continues. The closure affects one of Islamabad's busiest junctions, and motorists traveling towards Bhara Kahu, Rawal Dam Chowk and adjoining areas have been advised to use alternative routes. Motorists traveling from Rawal Dam towards Bhara Kahu should use the loop connecting to Srinagar Highway. From there, drivers should take a U-turn at Margalla Mor before continuing towards Bhara Kahu. Islamabad Traffic Police has advised commuters to follow the diversion rather than approaching Kashmir Chowk directly while the closure remains in place. Traffic traveling from Aabpara towards Kashmir Chowk has also been diverted. Motorists should continue along Srinagar Highway towards Korang Wala Chowk and use the Naval U-turn before traveling back towards Rawal Chowk. Drivers using these routes should expect additional travel time, particularly during morning and evening rush hours. The closure comes as construction of the Kashmir Chowk Underpass moves into a critical stage. PakWheels recently reported that the Kashmir Chowk Underpass is 51% complete. The Rs1.4 billion project is being fast-tracked, with authorities aiming to complete it around the first week of November 2026. Kashmir Chowk handles around 107,000 vehicles every day, according to CDA estimates. Once completed, the project will include dedicated underpasses for traffic approaching from Serena and Faizabad towards Murree, along with four slip roads designed to distribute traffic around the junction. Islamabad Traffic Police has not announced a specific reopening date. The current advisory says the junction will remain closed until further orders. Motorists travelling through this part of Islamabad should therefore continue using the announced diversions and allow extra time for their journeys until construction progresses enough for traffic restrictions to be eased.