CDA’s delayed Margalla Avenue project causes traffic chaos, safety concerns

Islamabad : The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has come under harsh criticism for its failure to complete a crucial interchange at Margalla Avenue (recently renamed Iran Avenue) near Sangjani on the Grand Trunk (GT) Road.

Despite the project being part of the approved PC-1, several months have passed with no visible progress, leading to widespread traffic confusion and safety concerns.

Margalla Avenue serves as a vital link between Islamabad and the GT Road (N-5), one of Pakistan’s busiest national highways. This road also connects to the historic Silk Route, making it a crucial artery for regional and international trade. However, the absence of a proper interchange at the junction with GT Road has made the daily commute of thousands of travellers unnecessarily chaotic.

With around 10,000 vehicles using Margalla Avenue every day, particularly from regions like Hazara, Taxila, Wah Cantt, and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the lack of a U-turn or proper interchange at Sangjani results in confusion for drivers trying to access the GT Road. The incomplete infrastructure not only causes massive traffic jams but has also led to accidents, highlighting the urgent need for a solution.

One of the major critiques is the CDA's inefficient management of the project. Despite an estimated Rs10 billion being invested in constructing the highway, the absence of the promised interchange has significantly reduced the road’s functionality. The interchange would not only facilitate traffic flow but also provide a critical link to the M-1 Motorway, which is just 3 kilometres away from Margalla Avenue.

Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi, known for his swift execution of development projects during his tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab, has been unable to influence the CDA’s sluggish pace. This lack of progress raises concerns about the effectiveness of governance in Islamabad when compared to other provinces.

Further exacerbating the issue, parts of the newly constructed road have already shown signs of deterioration, with cracks appearing on sections that were recently opened to the public. A 700-meter portion of the road also remains incomplete, which has delayed the overall project significantly.

The current state of the road leaves commuters facing not only traffic congestion but also dangerous driving conditions.

If the interchange is completed, it could ease congestion on other major roads like Srinagar Highway and Faizabad by providing a direct route for vehicles coming from cities like Lahore, Peshawar, and other parts of Pakistan. However, until the CDA takes tangible steps to finish the project, the road will continue to underperform, failing to meet the needs of commuters and placing lives at risk.

While the CDA has announced plans to connect Margalla Avenue to the M-1 Motorway, further delays will only compound the frustrations of the public, daily travellers said adding that immediate action is required to bring the project to completion and make the massive Rs10 billion investment worthwhile.