ISLAMABAD: The much-anticipated road project linking Margalla Avenue to the M-1 Motorway is moving forward, with the demarcation of land now complete. The Islamabad Capital Development Authority (CDA) is ready to initiate the next phase of the project, which involves land acquisition for the construction of this vital road connection.
According to CDA officials, the demarcation process has now been finished, and the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) revenue department will soon begin acquiring the necessary land. “Land acquisition will commence shortly, and once that is completed, we will proceed with the construction work,” said a CDA spokesperson.
The Margalla Avenue to Motorway link will cover a total of 3.4 kilometers, with 1.8 kilometers located in Rawalpindi and 1.6 kilometers in Islamabad. The CDA will be responsible for constructing the portion within Islamabad.
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Project Details and Timeline
The project, which has been approved with a budget of Rs. 5.45 billion, was approved by the CDA in August 2023. This amount covers both construction and land acquisition costs. Construction is expected to begin as soon as the land acquisition process is completed, with the project anticipated to be finished in approximately eight months.
Officials revealed that land acquisition will involve properties within two revenue estates: Sangjani in Islamabad and Budana Kurd in Rawalpindi. Around 80 kanals of land will be acquired, with 55 kanals falling within Islamabad’s jurisdiction. To ensure smooth progress, Section 144 was imposed in the area last week, which enables the government to acquire land for public welfare projects such as road construction.
Key Benefits of Linking Margalla Avenue to M-1 Motorway
The link between Margalla Avenue and the M-1 Motorway is expected to significantly enhance traffic flow in the region. The project will include a six-lane road designed to provide an alternative route for commuters traveling between Islamabad and G.T. Road (N-5). This strategic link will improve accessibility and ease congestion, offering a more direct route for those traveling to and from the capital.
In 2021, former Prime Minister Imran Khan directed the CDA to develop the road within Islamabad’s jurisdiction, while the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) was tasked with constructing the portion in Rawalpindi. However, under the current government, the National Highway Authority (NHA) has been assigned to complete the Rawalpindi section of the road.
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Future Development Plans
The Margalla Avenue to M-1 Motorway link will also support future development in the region. Margalla Avenue, which begins at E-11 and ends at G.T. Road in Sangjani, will be extended to connect with the new portion of the five-kilometer road. Although the CDA has already constructed roads on approximately 400 feet of the designated 600 feet area for Margalla Avenue, decisions on acquiring the remaining area and addressing built-up structures within the road’s alignment are still under consideration.
As this essential road project progresses, it is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and contribute to the overall growth and infrastructure development of the Islamabad-Rawalpindi region.
