Road project set to transform capital travel

Highway project will connect Islamabad directly to M-1 Motorway via Margalla Road

ISLAMABAD:

Authorities have resolved to commence work within the next month on a major development scheme involving the construction of a highway spanning over five kilometres, providing a direct link between the federal capital and the motorway via Margalla Road.

It has been learnt that, of the total stretch, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) will finance 2.7 kilometres, while the National Highway Authority (NHA) will build the remaining 2.3 kilometres under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), for which Rs6 billion has been earmarked. The NHA will also cover the associated land acquisition costs.

A meeting to review the project was held on Monday at the CDA Headquarters, presided over by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa. The session assessed progress on key development initiatives currently underway in the federal capital.

Comprehensive briefings were presented on the proposed expansion of Margalla Avenue (from N-5 to M-1) and the construction of an interchange on 17th Avenue at H-16. Technical considerations, including design proposals for both schemes, were examined in detail.

Officials reported that the feasibility study for the 17th Avenue interchange has been finalised and that the preliminary design—prepared in collaboration with consultants—has also been completed. Work is advancing swiftly on the preparation of the PC-1 for CDA's 2.7-kilometre section.

It was agreed that the design would be resubmitted after incorporating recommendations from CDA's Engineering and Planning Wings.

The CDA Chairman instructed that all engineering and technical parameters be rigorously reviewed and fully integrated into the final design. He noted that the PC-1 for extending Margalla Avenue from N-5 to M-1 within ICT's 2.7-kilometre jurisdiction has already been approved by the CDA-DWP, while the NHA Member confirmed that the NHA has likewise secured CDWP approval for PC-1 relating to its own portion of the project.

The Chairman further directed that the tendering process be completed within the coming week. Initial funding for the initiative has already been released. Once completed, the project will provide Islamabad with a direct and seamless connection to the M-1 Motorway via GT Road (N-5).

The meeting was informed that the completion of these schemes will greatly enhance travel convenience for residents of Islamabad's peripheral areas.

Emphasising the need for expeditious delivery, the CDA Chairman instructed that all impediments be removed without delay, stressing that these projects are vital to the capital's modernisation, improved urban planning, and public convenience.

He reiterated that every available resource is being mobilised to realise the vision of transforming Islamabad into one of the world's finest capitals.