New Marghalla Road-Motorway link: will there be traffic disruption again?

A major infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity between Islamabad and the motorway has been launched, with work underway to extend Margalla Road directly to the highway.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the site to review progress and was briefed on the scope and timeline of the development.

The project includes the construction of a 2.7-kilometre stretch featuring a three-lane main road along with two-lane service roads on both sides. Key components also include an interchange at Sangjani, two underpasses, and a bridge along GT Road.

Officials said the Sangjani Interchange is expected to be completed by July 31, following directives from the interior minister to accelerate progress and ensure timely delivery.

شہریوں کی سہولت کیلئے مارگلہ روڈ کو موٹروے تک براہ راست لنک کرنے کے میگا پراجیکٹ کا آغاز

وفاقی وزیر داخلہ محسن نقوی کا مارگلہ روڈ کی موٹروے تک توسیع کے میگا منصوبے کا دورہ۔ تعمیراتی سرگرمیوں کا معائنہ کیا
وزیرداخلہ محسن نقوی کو میگا پراجیکٹ کے بارے تفصیلی بریفنگ دی گئی pic.twitter.com/tuqZkh7dlq

— Ministry of Interior GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) May 5, 2026

According to project plans, the new link will provide a faster and more efficient route between Islamabad and the motorway, helping ease traffic congestion and reduce travel time for commuters.

Naqvi emphasized the need to maintain construction quality, transparency, and speed, calling improved mobility a key government responsibility. The overall project is expected to be completed by December 2026, while an additional 2.5-kilometre section will be handled by the Punjab government.

Senior officials, including representatives from the Capital Development Authority and Islamabad administration, were also present during the visit.

Sources familiar with the project are of the opinion that the current road structure and possible location of new construction is not likely to cause any major disruptions to the existing traffic flow on either Margalla Road or the motorway.

Moreover, construction will likely be carried out in carefully planned phases, with temporary diversions and engineered work zones to ensure uninterrupted movement of vehicles. The aim is to improve long-term connectivity without causing major short-term congestion, with traffic management plans in place throughout the construction period.