A newly built section of Islamabad’s Serena Underpass collapsed after the season’s first heavy monsoon rains, sparking widespread public outrage and raising concerns about construction quality. The incident has drawn heavy criticism toward the Capital Development Authority (CDA) over the durability of its infrastructure projects.
Viral footage shared online shows a large crater on the turning road toward Srinagar Highway, where CDA machinery is seen clearing debris. The underpass, part of a Rs. 4.2 billion project completed in just 84 days, had been celebrated as a traffic relief effort. The collapsed segment was among three underpasses built to ease congestion on Khayaban-i-Suhrawardi and Srinagar Highway.
Read more: Weather Department forecasts additional monsoon rain
Public reaction was swift, with many accusing authorities of prioritizing speed over quality. Social media users blamed substandard materials and poor oversight for the structural failure, demanding accountability for what they termed rushed and “shoddy” construction.
While CDA has yet to release a full explanation, early assessments point to poor drainage and weak roadbed preparation as likely causes. Repair work is ongoing, with efforts underway to stabilize the area and restore normal traffic flow.
