Federal Government Greenlights Margalla Highway Expansion
The federal government has approved the extension of Margalla Highway from GT Road Sangjani to Motorway-1 at a revised cost of PKR 6.681 billion. The project aims to provide commuters with a direct link to the motorway network while reducing traffic congestion in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Project Scope and Key Features
According to official documents, the National Highway Authority (NHA) will execute the project starting after the Sangjani grid station. The highway extension includes:
- Semi-directional ramps on Shahrah-Mehr Road
- A bridge over the Bahuda Kas water channel
- A connection to Quaid-e-Azam Road within the AWT housing society
- Re-modelling of the existing Sangjani/AWT interchange
- Construction of service roads on both sides of the highway
Easing Traffic and Improving Connectivity
The new route is expected to act as an alternative corridor for traffic entering Islamabad and Rawalpindi from the motorway. It will help alleviate congestion at Chungi No. 26 on Srinagar Highway, a location frequently affected by traffic blockages during political demonstrations.
Officials highlighted that the extension of Margalla Highway will not only improve traffic flow but also enhance connectivity for commuters, supporting broader infrastructure and urban development initiatives in the capital region.