Islamabad:The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the National Highway Authority (NHA) are jointly pursuing the extension of Margalla Avenue to the M 1 motorway and the construction of an interchange at 17th Avenue, H-16, in Islamabad.
A meeting was held on Monday at CDA headquarters, chaired by Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa. Attendees included: CDA Member (Engineering) Syed Nafasat Raza, CDA Member (Planning and Design) Dr. Khalid Hafiz, senior officers from the NHA, consultants and other relevant officials.
The meeting reviewed progress on key federal--capital projects. A detailed briefing covered: Margalla Avenue extension (N-5 to M-1) – The PC-I for the 2.7 km section within ICT limits has been approved by CDA’s Departmental Working Party (DWP). 17th Avenue Interchange – The feasibility study is complete, a preliminary design has been prepared with consultant assistance, and work on the PC-I is underway.
It was decided that the designs would be resubmitted after incorporating feedback from CDA’s Engineering and Planning wings. Chairman Randhawa instructed a thorough engineering review of all technical aspects and directed that the tendering process be completed promptly. Initial funding for the projects has already been allocated.
Upon completion, the extension will provide a direct link from GT Road (N-5) to the M-1 motorway, offering superior travel facilities to residents of Islamabad’s suburbs. Chairman Randhawa emphasized that all obstacles must be removed to ensure timely delivery, noting that these projects are crucial for modernizing infrastructure, improving urban planning, and enhancing citizen convenience. He added that every resource is being mobilized to make Islamabad the world’s leading capital city.
