Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced an additional extension for the completion of a pivotal road project with the goal of connecting the recently constructed Margalla Avenue Link Road to E-11. The authorities have now set a new deadline of October 30 for the project’s finalization, following several prior delays.
The 5.5-kilometer road project, which commenced in December 2022 and holds an estimated value of approximately Rs. 4 billion, was initially planned to conclude by June 20 of this year. However, the engineering wing officials deemed the original six-month timeline impractical due to the project’s intricate nature. Consequently, they pushed the deadline to August 15.
CDA officials recognized a range of challenges contributing to the earlier delays, including relocating utility services, managing trees, addressing land possession issues, and contending with adverse weather conditions. Successfully overcoming these obstacles has now paved the way for accelerated progress on the project. CDA authorities express confidence that the project will advance to its final stages and achieve completion before October 30.
Last year, the National Logistics Cell (NLC) secured the contract for the 5.5-kilometer road project at a cost of Rs 3,983 million. This road spans from sector D-12, where Margalla Avenue currently terminates, to Khayaban-i-Iqbal in E-11.
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Acknowledging the increasing traffic congestion and the popularity of the 10-kilometer Margalla Avenue stretch from G.T. Road to D-12, CDA identified the necessity for enhanced connectivity. The ongoing Margalla Avenue Link Road extension towards E-11 and Khayaban-i-Iqbal will solve the potential traffic issues in the area.
Furthermore, CDA has disclosed plans to link this project with the construction of 11th Avenue. While the latter’s construction has not yet commenced since its foundation stone was laid by former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. According to the CDA officials this project maintains optimism regarding the potential benefits. Reflecting on the project’s progress, a CDA official emphasized that deadline extensions are common in large-scale projects.
With the completion of the road project drawing near, CDA remains hopeful that the road will be open to traffic by the end of October. The road will promote smoother connectivity and alleviate traffic congestion in the region. As the October 30 deadline approaches, stakeholders and residents eagerly anticipate the completion of this vital road link, which holds the promise of enhancing overall transportation infrastructure in the area.
