ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has sealed 58 buildings and demolished 124 structures between Sohan and Khanna Bridge along Islamabad Expressway Service Road (East), where development work on a major road-widening project is also underway.

The authority said on Saturday that more than 28pc of the project, stretching about 9.3 kilometres from Faizabad to Gulberg, had been completed.

The project envisages a dual carriageway with three lanes on each side to improve traffic flow and provide better access to residential areas along the Expressway.

According to the CDA, excavation and work on the sub-grade and sub-base layers are progressing on different sections. Construction of an underpass, a key component of the project, is also underway with all 153 piles completed.

Work on culverts for bridges and drainage facilities was also continuing, the authority said.

“The enforcement operation is targeting illegal constructions, encroachments, unauthorised commercial activities and violations of building control regulations in the vicinity of the service road,” said a spokesperson.

He said CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Sohail Ashraf had directed officials to ensure uniform enforcement of building by-laws, land-use regulations and mandatory fire safety requirements.

He said construction quality should not be compromised and called for transparency and adherence to quality standards during the execution of the project.

Mr Ashraf said completion of the service road would help ease traffic congestion on the Islamabad Expressway, reduce commuters’ travel time and fuel consumption and improve travelling facilities for residents of adjoining areas.

The CDA claimed that work has been progressing simultaneously on all sections of the project.

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2026