Key Takeaways
- Heavy rain damaged the iconic eagle monument at Shaheen Chowk Underpass in Islamabad.
- The project was completed in just 63 days and opened to traffic on December 31, 2025.
- Authorities are concerned about the durability of decorative structures in major infrastructure projects.
Heavy rain last night caused significant damage to an iconic monument at Shaheen Chowk Underpass in Islamabad. The monument features a large eagle standing above a globe-like structure and serves as a major decorative feature at one of the capital’s busiest junctions.
The Shaheen Chowk Underpass is located at the intersection of Khayaban-e-Iqbal, also known as Margalla Road, and 9th Avenue. The project was initiated to improve traffic flow in this area, which hosts several government offices and educational institutions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif laid the foundation stone for the underpass in October 2025. Initially estimated at Rs. 1.3 billion, the cost of the project increased by up to 15 percent due to scope expansion. The underpass barrel was extended from 56 meters to 85 meters.
Despite an original completion period of several months, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) managed to complete the project in just 63 days and formally opened it to traffic on December 31, 2025. The latest damage has raised concerns about the durability and maintenance of decorative structures installed under major public infrastructure projects.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by urban planners and authorities in ensuring long-term sustainability of such projects. While no official statement has been made regarding repairs or future maintenance plans, the CDA is likely to address these issues promptly to maintain the aesthetic appeal of Islamabad’s public spaces.
The featured image from ProPakistani shows the Shaheen Chowk monument during its installation phase and does not depict the recent damage caused by the heavy rainfall. The post was first published on July 12, 2026.
