Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the National Highway Authority (NHA) have accelerated work on two key infrastructure projects in the federal capital — the extension of Margalla Avenue to the M-1 motorway and the construction of a new interchange at 17th Avenue in H-16.
The progress was reviewed during a meeting held at CDA headquarters on Monday, chaired by CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa. The session was attended by Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza, Member Planning and Design Dr. Khalid Hafiz, senior NHA officers, project consultants and other relevant officials.
According to the briefing, the PC-I for the 2.7-kilometre portion of the Margalla Avenue extension falling within Islamabad Capital Territory limits has been approved by the CDA’s Departmental Working Party (DWP). For the 17th Avenue Interchange, the feasibility study has been completed, a preliminary design prepared, and work on the PC-I is now in progress.
Chairman Randhawa directed that both project designs be revised after incorporating technical input from the CDA’s Engineering and Planning wings. He also instructed that a detailed engineering review be carried out and ordered the tendering process to be completed without delay. Initial funding for both projects has already been allocated.
Once completed, the Margalla Avenue extension will establish a direct corridor from GT Road (N-5) to the M-1 motorway, significantly improving travel options for residents of Islamabad’s peripheral zones. Randhawa stressed the need to remove all administrative and technical hurdles to ensure timely delivery, calling the projects essential for modernizing the city’s infrastructure, strengthening urban planning, and improving daily commute patterns.
He added that every available resource is being mobilized to elevate Islamabad’s standing as a leading global capital.
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