Margalla Avenue Extension, a key motorway entry point, is now in the final stage of construction. This is the project that most individuals refer to as Iran Avenue or the 17th Avenue Interchange. This route has been missing from Islamabad’s road network, and planners have addressed it over the years. Currently, the project will link Islamabad to the M-1 and M-2 motorways. Consequently, this will soon enable faster, smoother regional travel for commuters.
In addition, this extension is intended to ease congestion on city roads. Srinagar Highway and GT Road currently carry heavy traffic. Consequently, officials consider this project the long-term solution to congestion. The project also enhances Islamabad’s status as a regional transport hub.
On the final leg, construction commenced officially at the beginning of 2026. Contractors have already gathered equipment and workforce for various sections. Planners initially estimated the entire extension would take eight months. Nonetheless, recent developments indicate positive trends across major segments.
Crews have expedited work towards the AWT Interchange. This is due to the current pace of development, which increases the likelihood that partial openings may occur sooner than anticipated. As a result, local communities will experience reduced traffic much faster. Governments maintain tight control over schedules to ensure gradual improvement.
The extension of Margalla Avenue is approximately 5 kilometers. This route begins around Sangjani at the end of the Margalla Avenue, which is already nearby. It then continues directly to the M-1 Motorway. Engineers built the road to be a six-lane carriageway.
Notably, the design guarantees an all-around signal-free corridor. This will enable vehicles to avoid intersections with traffic congestion. Consequently, the time spent commuting between the motorways and Islamabad will decrease significantly. The road is also safer due to controlled access points and advanced engineering.
The project is the result of liaison work between federal and local authorities. The Capital Development Authority controls the 2.7-km section, which falls within the boundary of Islamabad. In the meantime, the National Highway Authority deals with the remaining 2.5 kilometers within the jurisdiction of Rawalpindi.
This is the Rawalpindi area near the AWT Housing Society. In this partnership, both agencies aim to ensure uniform construction quality. In addition, shared responsibility facilitates the integration of the road network between city roads and national highways. This coordination enhances the overall project implementation.
The Margalla Avenue Extension has already transformed the expectations of the real estate market in nearby areas. The project is characterized as one that turned around the Zone II and Taxila regions by investors. With increased accessibility, property demand and pricing trends have improved.
Motorway accessibility within five minutes will be available to the residents of Multi Gardens B-17, making Margalla Avenue Extension a key motorway entry point for this entire zone. As a result, daily commuting time to central Islamabad will reduce significantly. Similarly, the nearest communities to the new interchange are Faisal Hills and Faisal Margalla City. Analysts anticipate that improved connectivity will drive strong appreciation in these areas over the coming years.
The proposed extension will also provide easy access to neighboring locations, including D-18, AWT, Wapda Town, and C-18. This will make these locations more attractive to locals and other businesses by reducing travel time.
Local investors frequently mention the involvement of professional housing developers in this case. Multi-Professional Cooperative Housing Society has developed new plans for its development in line with the new road. Similarly, the Faisal Group has leveraged the project to drive on-the-ground development.
As a result of this correspondence, infrastructure and residential expansions are now complementary. The developers expect to achieve shorter possession periods and improved livability. This further increases buyer confidence in these sectors.
Once the authorities open the AWT Interchange link, the area will have an achievable bypass in the form of a ring. Although it is commonly called a ring road, officials classify it as Margalla Avenue Phase II. Even so, the utility value remains unchanged.
This highway will reduce congestion on the Srinagar Highway and the GT Road. In the long run, it will result in traffic flow in Islamabad with minimal congestion. Finally, the extension of Margalla Avenue will reshape the transportation patterns of residents and other travelers in the capital area.
