Margalla Road Motorway Link Gets December Completion Deadline
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State Talal Chaudhry inspect the 2.7-kilometre Margalla Road extension, order double-shift construction and direct authorities to clear encroachments within one week.
ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and other concerned departments to complete the Margalla Road extension to the motorway and the Sangjani Interchange projects by December 31, 2026, while accelerating construction through double-shift operations.
The directives came during an inspection visit to both development projects, where the interior minister was accompanied by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry. The two officials reviewed ongoing construction activities and received a detailed briefing from CDA authorities regarding progress, remaining work and project implementation.
December 31 Deadline for Both Projects
During the visit, Mohsin Naqvi instructed the concerned authorities to maintain double-shift construction schedules to ensure the projects are completed within the stipulated timeframe.
He emphasized that all ongoing work must be finished by December 31, directing project officials to accelerate construction activities and immediately address issues affecting progress.
The interior minister also instructed the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad to ensure that all encroachments obstructing the projects are cleared within one week.
He directed the relevant departments to remove all administrative and physical obstacles without delay so that construction work could proceed without unnecessary interruptions.
2.7-Kilometre Margalla Road Extension
According to the briefing provided by CDA officials, the Margalla Road-to-Sangjani Interchange project spans approximately 2.7 kilometres and includes the construction of an underpass and an interchange.
The project forms part of the broader initiative to extend Margalla Road towards the M-1 Motorway, creating an additional road connection between Islamabad and Pakistan’s motorway network.
Earlier project details released by government authorities outlined plans for a multi-lane road corridor with supporting infrastructure designed to improve traffic movement.
Once the complete motorway connection becomes operational, it is expected to provide Islamabad residents with an alternative route for travelling towards the motorway.
Alternative Route Expected to Ease Traffic Pressure
Mohsin Naqvi said the completion of the projects would provide citizens with an alternative route to the motorway, improving accessibility and offering greater convenience to daily commuters.
The new connection is expected to particularly benefit residents travelling from Islamabad’s northern and western sectors, including areas surrounding Margalla Road.
Currently, a substantial portion of motorway-bound traffic relies on established routes such as Srinagar Highway and IJP Road. The proposed connection could help distribute traffic more efficiently across the capital’s road network.
The project is also expected to improve connectivity around Sangjani and adjoining areas, although actual reductions in travel times and congestion will depend on the final road configuration and traffic conditions after completion.
Project Timeline Comes Under Renewed Focus
The Margalla Road extension has been under development as part of Islamabad’s broader road infrastructure improvement programme.
In May 2026, the interior minister had directed officials to complete the Sangjani Interchange by July 31, while the broader motorway-link project was scheduled for completion in December 2026.
The latest instructions place both projects under a December 31 completion deadline, with authorities now being directed to accelerate construction and clear outstanding obstacles.
The renewed emphasis on double-shift operations reflects the government’s effort to complete the remaining work before the end of the year.
However, officials have not provided a detailed construction completion percentage or a confirmed date for opening the entire motorway connection to traffic in the latest briefing.
CDA Directed to Remove All Remaining Obstacles
CDA officials briefed the interior minister on construction progress, the project’s major components and ongoing development activities.
The minister stressed that issues affecting the execution of the projects must be addressed immediately and directed all departments concerned to coordinate effectively to achieve the December deadline.
Chairman CDA, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad and other senior officials were also present during the inspection.
The Margalla Road extension and Sangjani Interchange are among the capital’s significant ongoing road infrastructure projects. Their timely completion is expected to strengthen Islamabad’s road connectivity, provide commuters with an additional travel option and support the city’s expanding transport requirements.
