Serena Chowk renamed Jinnah Square: Islamabad’s multi-billion rupee project completed in 72 days

Serena Chowk has officially been renamed Jinnah Square, following the completion of Islamabad’s multi-billion rupee project in just 72 days.

The newly developed interchange, designed to tackle the city’s traffic congestion, features three multilane underpasses and an expanded 14-kilometer road network. The project, finished well ahead of schedule, is expected to significantly improve traffic flow and connectivity, transforming one of Islamabad’s busiest intersections into a modern urban hub.

With lush green surroundings by day, stunning illuminated pathways, and enhanced lighting at night, it adds to Islamabad’s charm.

Jinnah Square project completed in just 72 days

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the much-anticipated Jinnah Square project, formerly known as the Serena Chowk Interchange, on Tuesday (February 4, 2025).

The development, which includes three underpasses and a 14-kilometer road network, aims to tackle the capital’s longstanding traffic congestion. With its completion in just 72 days — significantly ahead of the initial 120-day deadline — the project marks a major milestone for urban development in Islamabad.

Three Underpasses and 14-km road expansion

The project, completed at a cost of Rs 4.2 billion, connects crucial roads including Serena Hotel, the Convention Center, Constitution Avenue, and the Diplomatic Enclave. It features three underpasses: one on Khayban-i-Suhrawardi and two on Srinagar Highway, equipped with traffic loops. The underpasses are designed to ease traffic flow, while the expanded roads will further alleviate bottlenecks at Serena Chowk and surrounding areas.

Key Features of Islamabad Jinnah Square project

  • Completed in just 72 days, ahead of the initial timeline, addressing long-standing traffic congestion in Islamabad.
  • The project includes three multilane underpasses designed to ease traffic flow at key intersections.
  • The expansion of 14 kilometers of roads will further alleviate traffic congestion.
  • The project will make the Srinagar Highway a signal-free road, ensuring smoother traffic movement.
  • The project aims to reduce pollution by improving traffic flow and reducing congestion.
Serena Chowk Interchange Islamabad
Illustration of Serena Chowk Interchange Islamabad. (Image Credit: CDA)

Connecting Key Landmarks and reducing Traffic Congestion

Jinnah Square will serve as a critical hub, connecting important areas of Islamabad such as Serena Hotel, the Convention Center, Constitution Avenue, and the Diplomatic Enclave. The expansion of the road network also links these crucial landmarks, easing congestion in one of the busiest parts of the capital.

The Jinnah Square project is expected to significantly improve traffic flow in Islamabad, offering a much-needed solution to congestion that often plagued the city’s key intersections. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the project will not only ease traffic flow and save time but also help reduce pollution. By alleviating traffic congestion, Jinnah Square aims to reduce the environmental impact caused by long traffic jams.

Prime Minister Sharif expressed his admiration for the swift and effective execution of the project, applauding Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa for their leadership. “This is a prime example of effective planning and teamwork,” Sharif said during the inauguration ceremony. “It’s a moment of celebration for all of us, as such initiatives have the potential to transform the destiny of nations.”

Jinnah Square underpasses built in a record 72 days in Islamabad
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif being briefed about Jinnah Square underpasses built in a record 72 days in Islamabad on January 4, 2025. (Image: PID)

The PM also praised the efficiency of the project’s completion, which was achieved despite the challenges posed by difficult terrain, including hard rock and a running nullah. “The speed of Punjab has now been transformed into Mohsin speed,” Sharif remarked, acknowledging the Interior Minister’s commitment to delivering major projects in record time.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several lawmakers, including Raja Khurram Nawaz, Anjum Aqeel, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, and Hanif Abbasi. The event also marked the installation of a statue of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah at the interchange, a fitting tribute to the Father of the Nation.

As work on the connecting roads continues, Islamabad residents can look forward to further improvements in the city’s infrastructure. The newly constructed flyover at Jinnah Square is expected to open soon, alongside additional development projects on the horizon.

With the successful completion of the Jinnah Square project, Prime Minister Sharif has once again underscored the importance of swift execution and high-impact development initiatives for the future of Pakistan’s capital.

Salma Khan
Salma writes on topics ranging from education to technology to business. She can be reached at Twitter and Facebook.

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