Islamabad, 5 May, 2025: Plans have been confirmed for a key infrastructure development that will connect Margalla Avenue with Motorway M-1, offering a new route between Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Officials shared that the road design and alignment have been finalized, marking a significant step in easing traffic congestion and enhancing intercity access.
The new stretch of road is expected to cover a total distance of 3.4 kilometers with 1.8 kilometers falling in Rawalpindi’s jurisdiction and the remaining 1.6 kilometers within Islamabad’s boundary.
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The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has taken full responsibility for managing and executing the construction process.
Land Acquisition Underway
To move forward, authorities are acquiring a total of 181 kanals of land. This includes 51 kanals in the Sangjani locality of Islamabad and 130 kanals in Badana Kurd, which is part of Rawalpindi.
Officials indicated that the acquisition process is already underway, and the government is expected to release compensation rates shortly.
Unlike earlier proposals, the newly revised road alignment avoids residential neighborhoods, reducing the risk of displacement and local resistance.
The CDA’s land division and the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Revenue Department have jointly concluded initial preparations, paving the way for the engineering team to begin construction once final clearances are received.
A senior CDA representative stated that this road is a key component in realizing the full potential of Margalla Avenue with Motorway connectivity. He noted that work would commence immediately after the land is secured.
Project Timeline and Budget
The infrastructure scheme, approved in August 2023, has a total estimated cost of Rs. 5.45 billion. This budget includes both construction expenses and land purchase costs.
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The project features a six-lane highway aimed at providing an alternative corridor for vehicles traveling between Islamabad and GT Road (N-5), potentially easing congestion on existing routes.
Authorities are targeting an eight-month completion period once physical work begins. While the original concept for Margalla Avenue envisioned a broader route extending from Bhara Kahu to GT Road through the Margalla foothills, that segment remains unfinished.
This latest connection to Motorway M-1 is seen as a critical move toward completing the long-planned link.
