Introduction
The Islamabad Highway (also known as the Islamabad Expressway) is one of the most important transportation arteries in Pakistan’s capital region. Stretching from Zero Point in Islamabad to Rawat, this modern multi-lane expressway connects the heart of Islamabad with Rawalpindi, DHA, and Islamabad International Airport.
Whether you’re a commuter, investor, or traveler, the Islamabad Highway stands as a lifeline for mobility and economic growth in the twin cities.
Location and Route Overview
The Islamabad Highway begins at Zero Point Interchange — one of the city’s busiest intersections — and runs south through key areas including:
- Koral Chowk
- Faizabad Interchange
- PWD Society
- Kak Pul
- Rawat
Along this 28-kilometre stretch, the highway intersects major residential and commercial zones, making it a crucial link for daily commuters, logistics, and intercity travel.
The expressway eventually merges with the GT Road (N-5), connecting Islamabad to Lahore and beyond, making it an essential component of Pakistan’s national transport network.
Strategic Importance of Islamabad Highway
The Islamabad Highway plays a dual role: it’s not just a road, but a development corridor that drives real estate, trade, and accessibility. Its widening and expansion projects have been vital for easing congestion and promoting urban expansion toward the south of the city.
With the completion of new interchanges, service roads, and underpasses, travel time between central Islamabad and the suburbs has dropped significantly. For real estate investors, this translates into higher accessibility and rising property values in areas like PWD, Naval Anchorage, Bahria Town, and DHA Islamabad.
Construction and Development Updates
The Islamabad Highway has undergone multiple phases of expansion by the Capital Development Authority (CDA). The goal has been to convert it into a signal-free corridor that matches international standards.
Key Milestones:
- Zero Point to Koral Chowk: Fully signal-free and six-lane wide.
- Koral Chowk to T-Chowk (Rawat): Expansion ongoing to cater to growing traffic.
- New Interchanges: Faizabad, Koral, Khanna, and PWD interchanges enhance smooth flow.
- Lighting and Landscaping: Modern LED streetlights and green belts add beauty and safety.
Once the project is fully completed, the highway will offer uninterrupted travel from central Islamabad to the outskirts, improving both commuter experience and property market potential.
Residential and Commercial Development Along Islamabad Highway
The Islamabad Highway is lined with some of the most sought-after residential and commercial projects. These areas have witnessed steady appreciation in property prices due to improved connectivity.
Popular Housing Societies Along the Highway:
- DHA Islamabad — Premium housing and commercial hub
- PWD Housing Society — Ideal for mid-range families
- Naval Anchorage — Secure and well-planned community
- Bahria Town Phase 1–8 — Luxury living and investment hotspot
- Gulberg Islamabad — A modern housing project with direct access to the highway
For investors, plots and apartments near Islamabad Highway promise strong returns due to continuous infrastructure upgrades and rising demand for accessible living spaces.
Accessibility and Connectivity
One of Islamabad Highway’s major strengths is its seamless connectivity:
- Links Islamabad with Rawalpindi and GT Road
- Direct route to Islamabad International Airport
- Easy access to motorways (M-1 & M-2) through connected routes
- Multiple Metro Bus Stations for public transport convenience
This connectivity not only benefits commuters but also boosts commercial activity along the corridor. Many logistics companies and businesses prefer to set up operations near the highway for efficient distribution and easy access to both cities.
Economic and Investment Impact
With Islamabad Highway’s continuous upgrades, surrounding areas have seen a surge in real estate demand. Land prices along this corridor have appreciated up to 40% in recent years, especially near the new interchanges.
Key Investment Benefits:
- Enhanced accessibility increases property value
- High commercial footfall near interchanges
- Infrastructure-driven appreciation
- Proximity to business centers and residential areas
Developers are launching mixed-use projects, combining residential apartments, retail shops, and offices — making the area attractive for both end-users and investors.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While progress continues, challenges like traffic congestion during construction, delayed timelines, and maintenance issues persist. However, the CDA’s 2030 Master Plan includes continuous upgrades, widening of service roads, and improved drainage systems to handle increased traffic and urban expansion.
The future of Islamabad Highway looks bright — with plans for smart traffic management systems, eco-friendly landscaping, and new urban zones along its route. As Islamabad grows southward, this corridor will remain the lifeline of expansion.
Conclusion: A Road to Progress and Prosperity
The Islamabad Highway is more than a transportation route — it’s a symbol of Islamabad’s modern growth. From improving daily commutes to opening new investment opportunities, it has redefined how people live and work in the capital. With every new interchange and development project, the highway brings Pakistan one step closer to a smarter, more connected future.
Whether you’re planning to invest, relocate, or simply travel across the twin cities, the Islamabad Highway stands as a corridor of progress — driving movement, business, and the future of Islamabad.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the famous roads in Islamabad?
Islamabad is known for its wide, scenic, and well-planned roads that reflect the city’s modern infrastructure. Some of the most famous roads in Islamabad include:
- Jinnah Avenue — Runs through Blue Area, the city’s main business district.
- Constitution Avenue — Houses important government buildings like the Parliament and Supreme Court.
- Kashmir Highway (now Srinagar Highway) — Connects the airport and major entry points of the city.
- Islamabad Highway (Islamabad Expressway) — Links Islamabad with Rawalpindi and GT Road.
- Margalla Road — Offers a scenic drive along the base of the Margalla Hills.
- Faisal Avenue — Runs north–south and connects several residential sectors.
Each of these roads plays a crucial role in keeping the capital’s traffic smooth and connected.
Which is the longest expressway in Pakistan?
The M-2 Motorway (Islamabad–Lahore Motorway) is the longest expressway in Pakistan, stretching approximately 367 kilometers (228 miles).
It connects Islamabad with Lahore and is known for its world-class design, rest areas, and modern toll system.
If we talk about within Islamabad, the Islamabad Highway (Islamabad Expressway) is the longest urban expressway, covering around 28 kilometers from Zero Point to Rawat, linking the capital with DHA and Bahria Town
What are the 8 zones of Islamabad?
Islamabad’s master plan divides the city into eight major zones for organized development and balanced urban growth. These zones are:
- Zone I – Fully developed residential and commercial sectors (like F, G, H, and I sectors).
- Zone II – Ongoing development areas with new housing societies.
- Zone III – Margalla Hills National Park and forest reserves.
- Zone IV – Institutional, agricultural, and rural housing zones.
- Zone V – Southern zone with large private housing schemes (e.g., DHA, Bahria Town).
- Special Zone – Reserved for government and diplomatic use.
- National Park Zone – Green areas, trails, and eco-reserves.
- Industrial Zone – Areas for factories and light industry near I-9 and I-10.
This zoning system ensures Islamabad remains organized, green, and sustainable.
Why is Islamabad called “Isloo”?
“Isloo” is a nickname or slang term for Islamabad, used affectionately by locals and Pakistanis across the country.
It’s simply a shortened and casual form of the word Islamabad, much like “Lahori” for Lahore or “Karachiite” for Karachi.
People use “Isloo” in a friendly way to refer to the city’s calm vibe, clean environment, and modern lifestyle — for example, saying, “I’m visiting Isloo this weekend!”