The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to build Islamabad’s 11th Avenue in two phases, prioritising the section connecting the E-11 Interchange with Srinagar Highway. The first phase will cover a 3.5-kilometre stretch and include an interchange on Srinagar Highway.
The project is part of a larger plan to construct a 7.5-kilometre road linking Margalla Avenue with IJP Road. The CDA’s Departmental Working Party (DWP) has approved a Project Concept-I (PC-I) worth Rs24.5 billion for the overall project.
The proposed road will have three lanes on each side and is expected to include around 17 bridges and overpasses. Officials had initially set a one-year completion target for the project.
First Phase to Cost Up to Rs12 Billion
The CDA has decided to prioritise the E-11 Interchange-to-Srinagar Highway section rather than begin the entire project at once. According to a CDA engineer, the decision to divide the project into two phases was made during a recent meeting.
The engineer said the authority was currently working on the pre-tendering process. The CDA hopes to formally launch the first phase within the next two months.
The estimated cost of the first phase is between Rs11 billion and Rs12 billion, including the proposed interchange on Srinagar Highway. However, the figure is still tentative, as the authority is preparing a detailed cost assessment.
The final cost and construction schedule will depend on the completion of the remaining preparatory work and the tendering process.
Road Expected to Improve Traffic Flow
According to the CDA engineer, the new road will connect Srinagar Highway with Margalla Avenue and help distribute traffic between Margalla Road and Srinagar Highway once the first phase becomes operational.
The project is expected to provide another route for motorists travelling through the northern and central parts of Islamabad. The planned bridges, overpasses and interchange are intended to support traffic movement along the new corridor.
However, the overall benefits will depend on the completion of the road and its connection with the surrounding road network.
Project Announced in 2023
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif laid the foundation stone for Islamabad’s 11th Avenue in June 2023 during his first term in office. Construction did not begin following the ceremony.
The CDA’s latest decision marks another step towards moving the long-delayed project forward. The authority is now focusing on completing the preparatory process for the first phase before formally launching construction.
Further details about the tendering process, final cost and construction timeline are expected as the project progresses.
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