ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is moving ahead with a major road project aimed at easing traffic pressure across Islamabad. The authority will spend Rs5.072 billion on a new six-lane carriageway from Faizabad to Koral Chowk.
The 9.25-kilometre road will run parallel to the Islamabad Expressway. Once completed, it could provide motorists with an alternative route while improving access to several surrounding communities.
New Road to Ease Islamabad Traffic
The proposed carriageway will follow the existing Service Road East between Faizabad and Koral Chowk near Gulberg Housing Society.
Officials expect the project to reduce congestion on the Islamabad Expressway. The route remains one of the capital’s busiest corridors due to increasing traffic and expanding residential areas.
Moreover, the new road could improve connectivity for millions of residents living in nearby localities. Better access could also encourage commercial activity along the Service Road East corridor.
The project may further increase the market value of commercial properties located along the route. Consequently, improved infrastructure could benefit both residents and businesses in the surrounding areas.
Utility Relocation Adds to Project Challenges
Around Rs500 million has been allocated to relocate utility infrastructure affected by the construction.
The work includes shifting fibre-optic networks linked to the Islamabad Police Safe City Project and Strategic Plans Division (SPD). It also covers infrastructure belonging to Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO).
The project will require the relocation of 11kV IESCO distribution lines. Authorities will also move 242 electricity poles and 248 graves affected by the planned alignment.
Meanwhile, earthwork for the road has already started.
CDA to Protect Water Channels
The road project also includes measures to protect natural and underground water systems.
According to officials, the alignment crosses 22 underground water channels, natural streams and stormwater drains. Authorities plan to preserve these water routes during construction.
Utility relocation costs include Rs6 million for SPD infrastructure. Meanwhile, IESCO-related work has been allocated Rs406 million.
Another Rs87.3 million will cover the relocation of Safe City fibre-optic facilities. However, work on these utility components has not yet started.
Road Completion Target Reduced
A senior CDA official said the authority has revised the completion timeline. Instead of the earlier 12-month target, officials now aim to complete the road within six to eight months.
However, utility relocation remains the biggest challenge for the project. Delays in shifting electricity lines, fibre-optic networks and other infrastructure could affect the construction schedule.
Once completed, the six-lane carriageway could significantly reduce pressure on the Islamabad Expressway. It will also offer better access to communities along the corridor.
Beyond easing traffic, the project could support new commercial activity in the area. Improved road connectivity may also increase property demand and encourage further development.
The CDA’s latest infrastructure plan therefore combines traffic management with broader urban development goals. If construction stays on schedule, the new Faizabad-Koral Chowk route could become an important alternative corridor for Islamabad’s growing population.
