ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has started construction work on the 2.7km portion of Margalla Avenue to link it with Peshawar Motorway (MI).

Moreover, three new road projects are also on the cards as Secretary Interior Mohammad Khurram Agha on Friday, besides reviewing security measures, was given a briefing on the projects by the CDA.

Last month, the civic agency had opened financial bids originally worth Rs3.58 billion and the lowest bid turned out to be 10pc below the estimated cost. Subsequently, it issued work order and a few days ago, the contractor formally started work. Out of the total length of the road (2.7km), CDA has possession on around one kilometre, where work is being conducted. The civic agency through the Islamabad Revenue Department will acquire the remaining land.

It is relevant to note here that the capital administration had imposed section 4 a year ago for acquiring around 135 kanals and also completed the process of fixing rates. However, the CDA didn’t deposit payment with the ICT for onward distribution. In the meanwhile, the one-year validity period of section 4 is going to expire on April 21.

Contractor to construct road on one km available land till acquisition of remaining by imposing new section 4, says CDA

Sources said it has now been decided that the contractor will carry out work on the available land and after April 21 a new section 4 will be imposed for acquiring the remaining land.

Earlier, during the meeting, the CDA informed the secretary interior about other three projects, stating that after few days the bids will be opened for hiring a consultant for Kashmir Chowk Underpass.

Steps are also being taken for hiring consultants for 11th Avenue (roughly Rs9.2 billion) and the service road along the Expressway (worth Rs7.5 billion). A press release issued by CDA stated that the meeting was attended by CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Mohammad Ali Randhawa, Member Administration and Estate Talat Mehmood, Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza, Member Environment Esfandyar Baloch and other relevant officers.

The meeting was informed that the installation of gates at entry points of Islamabad had been completed and work on the security fence around various entry points was progressing rapidly.

The secretary interior directed that the CDA, in collaboration with the ICT administration and Islamabad police, ensure the timely completion of civil works related to security measures.

Mr Agha directed that a beautification plan also be prepared alongside the completion of the Kashmir Chowk project. The meeting discussed the construction of 11th Avenue and Service Road project.

The meeting was also informed that the Ataturk Avenue was also among CDA’s development projects under which Aga Khan Road and Jinnah Avenue were being integrated in a modern manner.

The secretary directed that an Environmental Assessment Study by (Pak-EPA) be ensured for all these projects.

Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2026