CDA has launched a new road infrastructure project involving the upgradation of the service road along the Islamabad Expressway. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has done the groundbreaking of the multi-billion dual carriageway project on Tuesday (16/6/26) with instructions to the CDA to complete the project in 90 days.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is planning to expand the service road on the right of the Islamabad Expressway. The project includes a nine-kilometre dual carriageway, comprising three lanes on each side. The new road infrastructure will stretch from the Faizabad Interchange to the Gulberg Greens stop, covering one of the most heavily trafficked areas connecting Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Project Development
For the execution of the project, CDA started a competitive bidding process, as a result of which 11 private companies submitted their bids for the project. However, later on, it was decided that the project would be carried out through a government-to-government arrangement under 42(f) of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PAPRA). There were chances for the project to be executed by Frontier Works Organisation (FWO).
Project Cost
The total cost of the entire upgradation project is expected to be 7.4 billion rupees. Despite this estimation, the project has now been decided to be completed through a G-to-G process, which can result in a variation of the project cost. The actual estimates will be clear once the development is complete.
Timeline
The interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, during the groundbreaking of the project on Tuesday, instructed CDA that the project should be finished within 90 days.
Clearing Encroachments
Before the initiation of the construction, clearing the area with already installed infrastructures and encroachment is a crucial step. According to Dawn, there are almost 600 structures alongside the expressway. In addition to this, the utilities such as electricity, gas, etc., also need to be shifted. A major concern is the graveyard in the area, along with many scattered graves. It is unclear whether these garves, which are approximately 200, will remain there or will be shifted due to the development project.
On Wednesday (17/6/26), CDA has started the process of clearing the area of encroached structures.
A Confusing Choice
The choice made by CDA for replacing the service road with a three-lane dual carriageway has created confusion among the investors and analysts. It is because the Islamabad Expressway already has four wide lanes. Moreover, the project is to be executed on the right of the expressway, on which CDA has shown interest in developing commercial projects before. Nevertheless, the project will lead to a major public benefit as it will reduce traffic congestion.
The CDA has already spent billions of rupees widening the expressway from Faizabad to GT Road. The final section, from Gulberg to GT Road, was expanded last year and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in December, alongside the T-Chowk/Iqbal Flyover at the junction of GT Road and the expressway.
The upgradation of the service road along the Islamabad Expressway into a three-lane dual carriageway by CDA is being carried out from Faizabad Interchange to the Gulberg Greens stop to reduce heavy traffic flows and bring smoothness in day-to-day travel. With an expected budget of 7.4 billion rupees, the project is aimed to be completed in 90 days. If executed successfully, it would add to the city’s enhanced road network.