ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) has launched a mega project to extend Margalla Road and connect it directly to the motorway, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi setting July 31 as the deadline for completion of Sangjani Interchange on GT Road.

Mr Naqvi visited the site on Tuesday to inspect construction and was given a detailed briefing on the 2.7-kilometre project, says a press release issued by the interior ministry.

It said that the plan includes a three-lane carriageway on both sides- a two-lane service road, two underpasses and a bridge.

An interchange will be built at Sangjani on GT Road as part of this project, and minster directed completion of the interchange by July 31.

“This project will provide an alternative, fast and easy route between Islamabad and the motorway,” Mr Naqvi said, adding that it would significantly reduce traffic pressure and cut travel time.

He directed that all resources be utilised to complete the project within the stipulated time.

Margalla Road currently ends near D-12 and forces traffic from sectors F, G and H to use Srinagar Highway or IJP Road to reach the motorway.

The new link will give northern Islamabad direct access to M-1, easing congestion on Kashmir Highway and 9th Avenue.

The project’s 2.5km second phase, from the interchange to the motorway, will be executed by the Punjab government.

Mr Naqvi said quality, transparency and speed were being ensured in all projects.

“Providing citizens with better and faster travel facilities is the government’s top responsibility,” he said.

Officials told the minister the project would be completed by December 2026.

The Sangjani Interchange, however, has been fast-tracked for completion by July 31 this year to relieve bottlenecks on GT Road.

Chairman CDA, IG Islamabad Police, DC Islamabad and other senior officers were present during the visit.

The extension has been a long-standing demand of residents of D-12, E-11 and adjoining areas, who face heavy traffic on existing routes to the motorway, especially during peak hours.

Recently, 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 was issued. The 2.7-kilometre road starts from GT Road and will culminate near the Sangjani Grid Station within Islamabad’s limits, where it will be connected with another 2.5-kilometre road to be ultimately linked with the M-1.

The National Highway Authority (NHA), through its contractor, is already executing the 2.5-kilometre portion of the road falling within the limits of Rawalpindi. Work on this section is continuing at full pace and it will be linked with the M-1 near the AWT Housing Society.

The CDA’s ongoing project is expected to be completed by the end of this year. According to a CDA working paper, the maximum benefit of Margalla Avenue cannot be achieved until it is linked to the M-1. The project comprises a six-lane road facility and aims to provide an alternative route for commuters travelling to Islamabad from GT Road (N-5) and vice versa.

Published in Dawn, May 6th, 2026