Margalla Avenue Islamabad extension from GT Road to AWT Interchange progresses at full pace

The Margalla Avenue Extension creates a 5.2-kilometer, six-lane signal-free corridor connecting GT Road (N-5) at Sangjani directly to the M-1 Motorway at the AWT Interchange (Sector D-18), with overall physical work reported at 35% completion. Work is proceeding round the clock in two coordinated phases.

This link connects existing Margalla Avenue traffic from northern Islamabad straight to AWT Housing Society without requiring commuters to use Srinagar Highway or Chungi No. 26.

The project will serve as a gateway for people travelling between Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Similarly, this project will serve as a gateway for those coming from Abbottabad, Mansehra and other cities,” said CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf during his visit to the site, reported by Daily Dawn.

Project Route & Division

The total 5.2-kilometre six-lane highway extension connects northern Islamabad directly to the motorway network:

• CDA Section (2.7 km): Managed by the Capital Development Authority (CDA), this stretch starts at GT Road (N-5) near Sangjani and runs toward the Sangjani Grid Station inside Islamabad’s limits.
• NHA Section (2.5 km): Managed by the National Highway Authority (NHA), this segment continues within Rawalpindi limits from the grid station area to connect directly with the M-1 Motorway at the AWT-Sangjani Interchange.

Route Alignment & Key Sections

The extension bridges the gap between the western end of Margalla Avenue on GT Road and the M-1 Motorway through two coordinated infrastructure sections.

Impact on AWT Housing Society (D-18)

• Direct Motorway & Capital Access: The upgraded AWT-Sangjani Interchange sits right at the edge of AWT Housing Scheme (D-18). Once operational, residents can travel straight onto Margalla Avenue toward central Islamabad sectors (such as D-12, E-11, and F-10) without relying on congested GT Road bottlenecks or Srinagar Highway.
• Regional Hub: The corridor also links AWT Housing and neighboring societies like Multi Gardens B-17, Wapda Town, and ECHS D-18 to the M-1 Motorway and planned Rawalpindi Ring Road connections.

Impact on ECHS D-18: The new road alignment and upcoming interchanges enhance direct connectivity from ECHS D-18 to Islamabad’s central sectors, bypassing heavy congestion around the 26 Number / GT Road intersection.

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