ISLAMABAD — The Capital Development Authority (CDA) expects to complete and open the Margalla Enclave underpass on Park Road by July 30, 2026. Currently, the active construction site has turned daily commuting into a severe nightmare for thousands of motorists.
Project Purpose and Key Benefits
The CDA is building this underpass to reduce heavy congestion in Zone-IV. Furthermore, the new structure will improve connectivity for major housing societies like DHA Margalla Enclave, Park View City, and Bahria Enclave.
Initial site preparations and traffic diversions for the project began in late January 2026. Meanwhile, regular construction work formally started in March 2026. According to official updates presented to the Senate, the underpass portion is on track for its July completion. However, the wider surrounding infrastructure package will likely wrap up by August 2026.
Current Commuter Delays and Traffic Issues
During this construction phase, Park Road has remained under intense traffic pressure. Therefore, commuters must factor in an additional 20 to 30 minutes of travel time. This critical route serves residents of Chak Shahzad, Shahzad Town, and several local universities.
Consequently, residents and commuters have repeatedly complained about poor traffic management around the site. For instance, drivers describe the temporary diversions as narrow, uneven, and badly maintained. In addition, the area suffers from insufficient signage and weak lane markings.
These problems become significantly worse after rain. During wet weather, water, mud, and construction material collect on the makeshift routes. As a result, motorists face vehicle damage from rough surfaces, while motorcyclists face unsafe, dusty conditions.
Overall Project Scope and Funding
Ultimately, the underpass is part of a wider 10 billion rupee Park Road infrastructure project. This massive package also includes service roads, overhead infrastructure, and other major road upgrades. While the project will eventually improve traffic flow, commuters must endure daily congestion until the underpass opens at the end of July.
