Newly Widened Atatürk Avenue Damaged Months After Inauguration
Footage circulating online appears to show a damaged section of the recently widened avenue; the project was inaugurated on May 25 after expansion from 24 to 52 feet and included drainage, lighting, walkways and safety improvements.
ISLAMABAD: Questions are being raised over the condition of Islamabad’s recently upgraded Atatürk Avenue after footage circulating on social media appeared to show damage to a section of the road only around three months after the expansion project was inaugurated.
Footage Shows Damaged Road Section
The footage shows what appears to be a broken or deteriorated portion of the road surface, with stones placed around the affected area, apparently to alert motorists. Islamabad Tribune has not independently established the cause, extent or exact timing of the damage shown in the footage.
Expansion Project Inaugurated in May
The development is notable because the Atatürk Avenue Expansion Project was formally inaugurated on May 25, 2026, by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, who represented Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at the ceremony.
According to information released at the inauguration, the avenue was widened from 24 feet to 52 feet to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. Officials said the upgraded infrastructure also included modern lighting, an improved drainage system, pedestrian walkways and enhanced safety measures.
CDA Records Show Project Tenders
Official CDA records also show that tenders connected to the “Widening and Improvement of Attaturk Avenue from Express Chowk to Agha Khan Road” were listed in March 2026. A separate tender concerning rehabilitation of an approach road, protection work and security measures along Atatürk Avenue in Sector F-5 was listed in May.
Cause of Damage Remains Unclear
The apparent deterioration visible in the latest footage has prompted questions on social media about the durability of the road, construction standards and whether recent rainfall, drainage issues, traffic loads or another factor may have contributed.
However, no technical assessment establishing the cause of the apparent damage was found during Islamabad Tribune’s review of publicly available official information. It would therefore be premature to attribute the condition to substandard construction or negligence without an engineering inspection or an official finding.
CDA May Need to Inspect Road
The Capital Development Authority has previously stressed the importance of maintaining high construction standards in Islamabad’s development projects. During an earlier review that included the Atatürk Avenue widening scheme, the then CDA chairman directed officials to ensure both quality and timely execution of development works.
The latest footage could now warrant an inspection by the relevant CDA engineering wing to determine the nature and extent of the damage, identify its cause and establish whether repairs or further remedial work are required.
