2,000 kanals could be developed in phases as CDA works on planning, land recovery and project design
ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is preparing to launch a major commercial development along the G.T. Road corridor, with officials estimating that the project could generate more than Rs500 billion if developed and sold through proper planning.
The proposed commercial area covers part of a 3,550-kanal tract acquired by the CDA in 1967. The land stretches for around 16 kilometres from EME College to Nicholson Monument, forming a 200-foot-wide strip on both sides of the G.T. Road.
According to CDA officials, around 2,000 kanals of the acquired land could potentially be utilised after detailed planning and development.
The authority is currently working on the project following directions to complete the required planning work ahead of its formal launch. Officials have indicated that the commercial development would not be offered all at once but would instead be introduced in phases.
Land recovery underway
A major part of the preparation involves recovering CDA land currently under illegal occupation.
The CDA began efforts to retrieve portions of the land in 2025, following demarcation work by its Planning Wing. A subsequent enforcement operation resulted in the recovery of a significant portion of the authority’s land.
The operation is continuing to recover the remaining occupied land. CDA officials said permanent structures located on its property have been identified and marked, with removal planned after completion of the required legal procedures.
Officials estimate that more than 100 permanent buildings may be located on CDA land within the project area.
Design committee formed
To move the development plan forward, the CDA’s Director General Spatial Planning has formed a four-member committee to finalise the project’s design.
The committee is being supervised by the Deputy Director General Architecture and will work on the planning and design requirements for the proposed commercial area.
The G.T. Road itself falls under the National Highway Authority (NHA), while the acquired strips alongside the road belong to the CDA. Because the two properties share boundaries, proper demarcation is an important part of the development process.
Future commercial demand
The planned development could also create demand for new commercial facilities, including fuel stations and businesses linked to transportation and construction.
CDA officials said some of the authority’s land in areas such as Tarnol is currently being used by heavy construction machinery dealers for parking equipment. The machinery is supplied for projects in Islamabad as well as surrounding areas including Murree, Kashmir and Taxila.
The proposed commercial development will therefore require land recovery, detailed planning, design approval and phased development before the area can be formally launched.
