Shaheen Chowk Underpass construction delays exams, traffic in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The closure of a major highway in Islamabad due to the construction of the Shaheen Chowk underpass has also affected academic activities.

Scheduled exams have been postponed at major universities in the city, Bahria University and Air University, following which there is anxiety and anger among students.

According to sources, students of Bahria University and Air University were informed through SMS that the exams scheduled for December 27 and 28 have been postponed.

The messages said that this decision has been taken due to limited access around Shaheen Chowk, while the new dates for the exams will be announced later by the heads of the relevant departments.

However, no official announcement has been made by the universities yet, which has spread further confusion among students. Many students say that the sudden postponement of the exams has affected their preparation and there are fears that it may also delay the semester break.

This situation has arisen at a time when the Shaheen Chowk underpass project has entered its final phase. The project is located at the junction of 9th Avenue and Khayaban-e-Iqbal, where traffic flow has been affected for a long time and citizens are facing severe difficulties due to alternative routes.

A few days ago, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the project and directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) not to delay the remaining work further. According to officials, most of the underpass structure has been completed, while the carpeting and finishing work of the road is underway.

The CDA says that the underpass will be ready for inauguration next week, after which the long-standing traffic problems in this busiest area of ​​Islamabad are expected to be significantly reduced.