ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority has accelerated work on the Margalla Road extension project, aiming to deliver a direct and seamless connection between Islamabad and the motorway network, with a firm deadline now in place for key infrastructure.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, during a high level site visit, directed authorities to complete the crucial Sangjani Interchange by July 31, underscoring the urgency of easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity for residents of northern Islamabad.

The 2.7 kilometre project includes a three lane dual carriageway, two lane service roads, underpasses and a bridge, forming a modern transport corridor designed to handle rising traffic volumes. Officials said the interchange at Sangjani on GT Road would serve as a critical junction linking the capital directly to the motorway.

Currently, traffic from sectors D 12, E 11 and surrounding areas is forced onto Srinagar Highway or IJP Road, leading to severe congestion during peak hours. The new route is expected to significantly reduce travel time while redistributing traffic load across the city’s road network.

Authorities confirmed that while the interchange is being fast tracked for completion by the end of July, the broader project, including its second phase linking to M 1, is scheduled for completion by December 2026. The Punjab government and National Highway Authority are jointly executing connecting segments to ensure full integration.

Officials described the project as a long awaited solution to Islamabad’s expanding traffic challenges, with financial bids already approved below estimated cost. Once operational, the Margalla Road extension is expected to transform daily commuting patterns, offering a faster, more efficient route and marking a major leap in the capital’s urban infrastructure development.