The Capital Development Authority has decided to initiate construction work on the long awaited project to link Margalla Avenue with the Peshawar Motorway M-1, marking a major step toward improving regional connectivity and easing traffic congestion in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The project aims to provide a direct and efficient route between the federal capital and major highways.

According to official details, the CDA has called tenders for awarding the contract to construct the final 2.7 kilometre stretch of Margalla Avenue. As part of the project, an interchange will also be built on GT Road to facilitate smooth traffic flow. Technical bids for the project are scheduled to be opened on January 23.

At the Rawalpindi end near Sangjani Grid Station, the National Highway Authority will construct an additional 2.5 kilometre section falling within Rawalpindi’s jurisdiction. This portion will link the road with the M-1 near the AWT Housing Society. The NHA has already awarded the contract for its section of the road at a cost of Rs4.1 billion.

Once construction begins, the project is expected to be completed within eight months. The initiative had remained under discussion for nearly five years, with multiple announcements made in the past but no tangible progress. The renewed push is expected to finally bring the project to execution.

The Margalla Avenue link project will feature a three lane dual carriageway along with two lane service roads on both sides and a cloverleaf interchange. Upon completion, the road will function as a six lane corridor, offering a vital alternative route for commuters travelling between Islamabad and GT Road N-5.

Officials stated that the full benefits of Margalla Avenue can only be realised once it is directly connected to the M-1 Motorway. The project is expected to reduce travel time, improve traffic distribution, and enhance access to Islamabad’s developing sectors while strengthening the overall road infrastructure of the twin cities.