CDA to start work on linking Margalla Avenue with M-1
ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is all set to construct the last portion of Margalla Avenue to link it with Peshawar Motorway (M-1).
The CDA has called tender for awarding contract for the construction of the 2.7 kilometres road. An interchange will also be built on GT road in this project.
Meanwhile, at the ending point of the road near Sangjani Grid Station, National Highway Authority (NHA) will construct another portion of the 2.5km road that falls in the limits of Rawalpindi, which will be linked up with M-1 near AWT Housing Society.
NHA has already awarded the contract to National Logistic Cell for the portion of the road worth Rs 4.1 billion.
“Yes, we have called tender and technical bids will be opened on January 23,” said an official of CDA. He said that once started the project is supposed to be completed in eight months.
This project remained under discussion for the last five years. The PTI government had also announced to start the project, but without any progress. Later on, CDA on several occasions announced that it will start the project.
The CDA will now build the three-lane dual carriageway with two-lane service roads including a cloverleaf interchange. According to a CDA working paper, the maximum benefit from Margalla Avenue cannot be achieved until it is linked to the M-1.
The project comprises a six-lane road facility and aims to provide an alternative route for commuters travelling to Islamabad from GT Road (N-5) and vice versa.
In 2021, then prime minister Imran Khan directed the CDA to develop the portion falling within Islamabad, while the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) was asked to construct the Rawalpindi section.
However, the subsequent PDM government tasked the NHA with the Rawalpindi portion.
Meanwhile, sources said the CDA was also planning to call bids for construction of an underpass on Murree Road near Islamabad Club. “The design of the underpass is being given final touches by a consultant, after design finalisation, we will move for bidding process,” an official said.
CDA last year had completed 18 projects including five major road projects that included Serena Interchange, Murree Road underpass, T-Chowk Flyover, expansion of loops of Faizabad interchange, F-8 interchange and Shaheen Chowk underpass.