ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority and the National Highway Authority (NHA) on Monday discussed construction of two mega projects in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

The NHA is planning to construct an interchange at the junction of the proposed 17th Avenue and Srinagar Highway. CDA will carry out extension of Margalla Avenue in the limits of Islamabad with the project costing Rs3.5 billion. Its second portion which falls in Rawalpindi will be constructed by NHA at an estimated cost of Rs4.2 billion, including interchanges.

Both sides discussed the design of 17th Avenue interchange. Sources said that it was also discussed that instead of the two authorities, the construction work on Margalla Avenue should be carried out by one. However, no decision was made in this regard.

The meeting was held at the CDA headquarters with Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa in the chair. The meeting was attended by Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza, Member Planning and Design Dr Khalid Hafiz, senior officers from the NHA, consultants and other relevant officers. The meeting reviewed the progress made so far on the significant projects of Islamabad, says a press release issued by the CDA.

NHA is planning to build interchange at junction of 17th Avenue and Srinagar Highway; CDA to carry out extension of Margalla Avenue

It said that the meeting featured a detailed briefing on the extension of Margalla Avenue (from N-5 to M-1) and the project to construct an interchange at 17th Avenue, H-16. In this regard, the designs of these projects and various technical aspects were discussed.

During the briefing on the design and construction plan of the 17th Avenue Interchange project, it was informed that the feasibility study for the project had been completed and the preliminary design also prepared with the assistance of consultants.

Work on the preparation of PC-I for the project was also ongoing. It was decided in the meeting that the design would be presented again, incorporating suggestions from the CDA’s engineering and planning wings.

The chairman CDA directed that all technical aspects be reviewed from an engineering perspective and incorporated into the project design.

Meanwhile, the meeting was told that the PC-I for the extension of Margalla Avenue from N-5 to M-1 within the 2.7 km ICT limits had been approved by the CDA’s Departmental Working Party (DWP). The member of the NHA informed the meeting that the NHA had obtained approval for its PC-I from the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) for the remaining area and limits.

The chairman CDA directed that the tendering process for the project be completed promptly. The meeting was told that initial funds had also been allocated for the project falling in the limits of Islamabad. It was stated that upon completion, the project will directly connect Islamabad city from GT Road N-5 to M-1. The meeting was also informed that the completion of these projects will provide best travel facilities to the citizens living in the suburbs of Islamabad.

According to the press release, Mr Randhawa directed that all obstacles hindering these projects must be removed to ensure their timely completion.

Published in Dawn, November 18th, 2025