Islamabad’s Part of Serena Underpass Collapses After Monsoon Rains, Sparks Outrage Over CDA’s Infrastructure Standards

Islamabad — A newly constructed section of the Serena Underpass in Islamabad has collapsed following the season’s first heavy monsoon rains, triggering widespread public criticism and renewed scrutiny of the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) infrastructure practices. The affected segment, part of the high-profile Rs. 4.2 billion Srinagar Highway underpass project, was completed in a record 84 days and inaugurated earlier this year with considerable public fanfare.

Viral footage circulated on social media shows a large crater on the turning road leading towards Srinagar Highway, with CDA machinery onsite to clear debris and begin initial repair work. The video, first shared by a user on X (formerly Twitter), captures the sunken road, disrupted traffic, and the aftermath of the collapse — igniting a storm of criticism online.

The underpass project included three sections: one on Khayaban-i-Suhrawardi and two along Srinagar Highway. The collapsed section was intended to ease traffic congestion on one of the city’s busiest corridors. However, the incident has shifted attention from convenience to construction quality, with many questioning whether the urgency to finish the project compromised its structural integrity.

Public reaction has been swift and unforgiving. Citizens and social media commentators have accused the CDA of cutting corners and ignoring engineering standards in a rush to meet deadlines. “This is what happens when ribbon-cutting takes precedence over safety,” one user remarked, echoing a widely shared sentiment that the collapse reflects systemic issues in public works oversight.

CDA officials have not yet released a formal explanation, but initial assessments suggest that the collapse may have been caused by poor drainage and insufficient roadbed reinforcement — critical factors often stressed in monsoon-prone areas like Islamabad. Meanwhile, repair efforts are underway, with heavy machinery deployed to stabilize the damaged section and restore traffic flow.

The incident has renewed calls for transparency and accountability in government-led development projects. As taxpayers demand answers, experts are also urging a re-evaluation of project timelines, construction contracts, and post-completion safety audits. With public trust in the balance, the CDA’s response — or lack thereof — will be closely watched in the coming days.