Status: Completed December 2025 | Cost: Rs 1.3 billion
The Shaheen Chowk underpass was constructed on Khayaban-i-Iqbal (Margalla Road) at the junction of 9th Avenue — one of the city's most congested intersections, particularly during school hours and evening rush. The project was completed in 63 days, less than half the 150-day target set when PM Sharif laid the foundation stone on 24 October 2025.
All 70 girders were launched, ramps 1 and 2 fully built, and the underpass opened to traffic on 31 December 2025 as part of New Year celebrations. The formal inauguration was reserved for the Prime Minister.
Real estate relevance: Sectors along Margalla Road — including F-6, F-7, E-7, and the housing societies approaching Bhara Kahu — benefit directly. The underpass also signals the viability of developing this corridor further eastward, supporting demand in Bahria Enclave and surrounding zones.
3.3 Islamabad Expressway Service Road (East)
Status: Under construction 2026 | Length: ~9.5 kilometres (Faizabad to Gulberg Greens)
The Islamabad Expressway's service road on the eastern side — particularly the Sohan-to-Koral stretch — had long deteriorated to the point of being a hazard. In February 2026, the CDA formally initiated the construction and rehabilitation of a 9-kilometre service road running from Faizabad Interchange through Soan, Pindorian, Shakrial, Garden Town, Khanna, Kangal, Ghouri Town, and Koral.
Phase 2 will extend the service road from Koral to Rawat, creating a continuous alternative corridor running parallel to the main expressway. The consultant appointment process was initiated in March 2026, with CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa directing that tender submission timelines be submitted without delay.
Real estate relevance: This project specifically serves residential zones that sit adjacent to the expressway but not on the main carriageway. Communities like Jinnah Garden, PWD, Sohan, and Ghouri Town will see their effective road connectivity doubled, as residents gain a usable alternative to the congested main artery. Analysts at YAS Real Estate projected 10–20% property price growth in Islamabad's high-demand areas through 2026, and expressway-adjacent societies are at the front of that curve.
3.4 Kashmir Chowk Smart Underpass
Status: Tendering phase 2026 | Classification: Smart underpass with integrated surveillance
Kashmir Chowk on Murree Road is among the last major bottlenecks on the Islamabad–Murree corridor. Traffic from Bara Kahu, Murree, and surrounding areas must pass through this single intersection on their way into the city, creating severe daily congestion.
In January 2026, a CDA board meeting chaired by Interior Minister Naqvi approved the construction of a smart underpass at this location, with the final project design due within 10 days. By March 2026, CDA confirmed that the tendering process would be completed soon and that consultant appointment was under way.
The "smart" designation refers to the integration of modern surveillance technology connected to Islamabad's Safe City infrastructure, along with energy-efficient lighting. The project follows the design logic established by the Shaheen Chowk underpass, where quality and speed were both achieved.
Real estate relevance: Park View City and other societies in the Bahara Kahu corridor have historically been penalised in property pricing by poor road access to the city centre. A signal-free Kashmir Chowk underpass would be transformative for this entire corridor, bringing journey times in line with sectors far closer to the city but currently no faster in practice.
3.5 Margalla Avenue Extension (N-5 to M-1)
Status: Tender being finalised, groundbreaking imminent (March 2026)
This project extends Margalla Avenue — already a six-lane, 11-kilometre road connecting Sector B-17 (Sangjani) to E-11 — further northwest to create a direct linkage between GT Road (N-5) and Motorway M-1 within ICT limits. Upon completion, the extension will include one loop and two underpasses.
Initial funds have been allocated. The CDA reviewed the project's progress in March 2026 alongside the Kashmir Chowk underpass and Expressway service road discussions, and Chairman Randhawa instructed that all timelines be enforced strictly.
Real estate relevance: This is potentially the most impactful long-term infrastructure project for northwestern Islamabad. B-17, one of the fastest-growing sectors in the twin cities, will have a direct motorway connection. Housing societies in Sectors B-16, B-17, and the Sangjani area — already popular with buyers priced out of central Islamabad — become dramatically more accessible to both Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Faisal Hills investors in particular should monitor this project closely.
3.6 Ataturk Avenue Widening & Beautification
Status: Active planning, EIA mandated (March 2026)
Ataturk Avenue, one of Islamabad's principal north-south arterials running through Blue Area, is being widened and beautified as part of Vision 2027. CDA Chairman Randhawa directed the installation of decorative lights and digital boards, horticulture and landscaping work, and the construction of a cycle track along the avenue.
Additionally, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) have been made mandatory for all CDA development projects — a positive governance development that may slow some timelines but ensures environmental due diligence is part of the process.
3.7 Project Summary Table: Road Infrastructure 2026
| Project | Location | Status | Cost (Rs) | Key Beneficiary Areas |
|---|
| Allama Iqbal Flyover | T-Chowk / GT Road | Complete | 1.4 billion | Gulberg, DHA, Capital Smart City |
| Shaheen Chowk Underpass | Margalla Road / 9th Ave | Complete | 1.3 billion | F-6, F-7, Bahria Enclave |
| Expressway Service Road East | Faizabad to Koral | Under construction | TBD | Sohan, Jinnah Garden, PWD |
| Kashmir Chowk Underpass | Murree Road | Tendering | TBD | Park View City, Bhara Kahu |
| Margalla Avenue Extension | B-17 to M-1 | Groundbreaking imminent | TBD | B-17, Faisal Hills, Sangjani |
| Ataturk Avenue Upgrade | Blue Area | Planning | TBD |
4. Metro Bus Expansion: A Four-Line Transit City