ISLAMABAD: Examinations scheduled at major universities in Islamabad have been postponed due to the closure of Shaheen Chowk amid ongoing underpass construction.
Students of Bahria University and Air University received SMS messages informing them that exams planned for December 27 and 28 have been deferred. According to the messages, the decision was taken because access to the area around Shaheen Chowk is restricted due to traffic diversions. New exam dates will be announced later.
However, no official notification has so far been issued on the universities’ websites or social media platforms, which has caused confusion among students. Many students expressed concern and anger over the sudden postponement, saying it disrupted their preparation plans and delayed semester schedules.
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The postponement comes as construction work on the Shaheen Chowk underpass has entered its final phase. The project at the junction of 9th Avenue and Khyaban-i-Iqbal has led to road closures and traffic diversions in the surrounding areas.
Last week, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the site and directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to complete the remaining work without further delay.
Shaheen Chowk Latest Update:
The Shaheen Chowk underpass is expected to be inaugurated next week. During his visit, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was briefed that around 90 per cent of the work has been completed.
According to CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa, the main structural work is finished, while road surfacing and final finishing work are still under way.
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The foundation stone of the project was laid by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on October 24. The total cost of the project was Rs1.3 billion.
However, the CDA later revised the scope of work, increasing both the work and the cost by about 15 per cent. The design was also changed, with the length of the underpass increased from 56 metres to 85 metres.
Mohsin Naqvi said the project would help reduce traffic pressure on other city roads and would be highly beneficial for the public. The underpass is being constructed at the junction of 9th Avenue and Khyaban-i-Iqbal, also known as Margalla Road, where traffic congestion was a routine issue.
Although the project was initially scheduled to be completed by April, it was completed on a fast-track basis and is now expected to be opened for traffic next week.
