The expansion of the Islamabad Expressway is one of the most important projects undertaken by the Capital Development Authority (CDA). Delays have been causing problems for commuters, but it seems that the authority may have found some help.
When it was conceived back in 2007, the project aimed to fix the existing – and future – traffic issues. Also called the Signal-free Corridor, the path connects Zero Point in Islamabad to Rawat on the Grand Trunk (GT) Road, offering a wider route to traffic entering and exiting the city.
The 28-kilometre long and five-lane-wide signal-free corridor was to be completed in four phases. The avenue between Zero Point and the Gulberg-Greens Interchange was completed during the first two phases. But the patch between Rawat and Gulberg-Greens Interchange is facing delays, and causing problems for commuters.
Following in the footsteps of Gulberg Islamabad, the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) and Naval Anchorage have volunteered to construct dedicated interchanges on the Islamabad Expressway. Reportedly, the two developers approached the CDA seeking permission to construct the interchanges at their respective entry points of their societies, which fall on the Expressway. According to CDA sources, these proposals have been approved.
The fate of many housing societies, including DHA Phase II & V, DHA Valley, Naval Anchorage, Canyon Views and many others, depends on the under-construction signal-free corridor. Once the corridor is completed, the travelling distance for residents living in these societies will reduce significantly. Furthermore, if the pace of development work on the project picks up pace, the volume of real estate investment in surrounding housing societies will also increase.
In anticipation of the project’s completion, many investors and genuine buyers have already purchased plots in housing societies that fall on both sides of the Islamabad Expressway. With the project facing unexplained delays, people who had jumped into the game with short-term investments have inadvertently become longer-term players.
What happens now?
Naval Anchorage’s management has submitted its designs and is in a position to initiate development work on the interchange soon, according to sources from CDA. Reportedly, the design for the interchange DHA has proposed has also been prepared but not shared with the CDA as of yet.
Both DHA and Naval Anchorage will fund their own parts of the project and they will employ their own resources for the construction of their respective interchanges.
In the past, the CDA has struggled to arrange funds for active projects. The civic body has also auctioned plots to create development funds but none of this has seemed sufficient for the expansion of the Islamabad Expressway at least.
Even with DHA and Naval Anchorage offering to construct these interchanges, the CDA won’t find any load off its shoulders since these developments were never included in the Expressway’s original plans.
If development work on Naval Anchorage’s interchange begins soon, the CDA might also feel pressured to speed up development work on the third phase of the Islamabad Expressway.
That’s all I have to share about this topic, I will update you all if I find any new information. Let me know what you people think about these developers stepping in to take charge by leaving me a comment.
Thanks for sharing valuable updates. What about PWD interchange which is most busy and populous entry among other near about societies.
It is important to have an interchange at PWD Society. It is catering to residents of several housing societies around this area, most importantly Bahria Town. Bahria Town Management’s consideration to have this interchange is important and in the best interests of citizens.
naval has already started work on its interchange
Remarkable initiative by Naval Anchorage
The project is stuck due to PWD not making their interchange.
Naval Anchorage has asked it’s members for contributions for the proposed interchange. People have to pay 25000 to the society
naval already started its work on interchange
Naval Anchorage has asked its members to deposit contribution for the proposed interchange. For the 500 Sq Yards plot owners in the Ext Block, the charges are Rs: 25,000.
Naval Anchorage is getting contribution from members for the proposed interchange. They have asked Rs 25000 contribution from 500 Sq Yards plot owners from Ext Blocks.
You have not mentioned from where these two societies will generate funds for these interchanges. Well, Naval Anchorage has posted letters to all its residents and plot holders to contribute share as per their plot sizes to Naval Anchorage. E.g. A 500 square yard residential plot holder has to give PKR 25k to them. Similarly they have said they will take on board the adjacent societies to contribute in these funds. This type of thing is expected of private societies but not from Naval Anchorage or DHA where most of the residents or plot holders are old pensioners whose main income is their pension.
Absolutely right! But what to do
Will the expenditure on interchanges be expressed in development charges of these 2 societies: DHA and Naval anchorage? What do you say
That should ideally not happen.
Do you have any info on Bahria interchange…
Hi Samra,
As Naval Anchorage is building the interchange… Where Jinnah Garden stands towards this project. Are they willing to contribute as well, since there two main Gates also appear adjcent to Naval Anchorage Society?? Would appreciate if you could take some feedback from Jinnah Garden Management in this regard.
I feel that if Jinnah Garden didn’t act at this time, the residents will be suffering at the end having no appropriate access from this Interchange route.
Are there any updates on Gulberg Residencia too ? Many Thanks
Are there any updates on Gulberg Residencia as well ?
Many Thanks
What about Bahria Town interchange?What will the location be of Bahria Town interchange?Is it going to be made from PWD entrance or Wildlife Park entrance?Is Bahria Planning to make a entrance from Lohi Bher park?Any info on this?
What about Bahria Town interchange?What will the location be of Bahria Town interchange?Is it going to be made from PWD entrance or Wildlife Park entrance?Is Bahria Planning to make a entrance from Lohi Bher park?Any info on this?
What about Bahria Town interchange?What will the location be of Bahria Town interchange?Is it going to be made from PWD entrance or Wildlife Park entrance?Is Bahria Planning to make a entrance from Lohi Bher park?Any update?
Do you have any info about Bahria interchange?
Any information about PWD/Bahria interchange? Will it be constructed or if this traffic will also be diverted through Naval interchange?
Thanks for the update. What about an interchange at Japan Road as envisaged by CDA in its initial plan? Is it still on or dropped as it is just next to Naval Anchorage exit? By the way the work on Naval Anchorage has started two weeks back.
Hi Samra Zulfiqar,
I need information regarding B-17.they built one road from B17 to Mar gala Road do you have any idea when they start the project how many KM road till Mar gala.
Is Islamabad Cooperative Society a good buy? for how long will have to hold?
Do you have any Information about PWD road? Its a very conjusted road full of patches and a huge traffic ag peak hours is so hectic plz let me know when it progress
What about Canyon Views?