The new underpass is part of a Rs10 billion infrastructure project
After months of construction-related traffic disruptions, Islamabad’s Park Road Underpass, also known as the Margalla Enclave Underpass, has opened to traffic, offering commuters a new route through a heavily congested section of the capital.
Residents of Shehzad Town, Park View City, Bahria Enclave and surrounding areas had faced prolonged delays during construction, with peak-hour journeys on Park Road often taking an additional 20 to 30 minutes.
Construction began in late January 2026, with traffic diversions introduced as work progressed. Full-scale construction got underway in March and continued through the following months.
Officials had earlier informed the Senate that the project was expected to be completed by July, with associated development works scheduled for August. The opening came after those timelines were extended.
Key Features of Margalla Enclave Underpass
- Provides a signal-free route through the Park Road corridor
- Aims to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow
- Improves connectivity between Park Road, Margalla Avenue and adjoining areas
- Supports access to Margalla Enclave, Park View City, Bahria Enclave and surrounding communities
- Forms part of the wider Rs10 billion Park Road infrastructure project
- Includes associated road and service infrastructure as part of the broader scheme
Part of Rs10 Billion Park Road Upgrade
The underpass forms part of Islamabad’s wider Rs10 billion Park Road infrastructure project, which includes overhead infrastructure, service roads and several kilometers of road improvements.
The project falls under the broader mandate of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and is being executed with the cooperation of the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) and the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) alongside Haji Latif Construction (HLC).
The broader scheme is intended to improve movement between Park Road, Margalla Avenue and adjoining localities, while providing better connections between established neighborhoods and rapidly developing residential areas.
What the Opening Means for Commuters
Park Road has become increasingly busy as housing developments, schools and commercial activity have expanded across Islamabad’s eastern and southern areas.
The upgraded corridor is expected to improve access to Margalla Enclave, Park View City, Bahria Enclave, Banigala, Shahzad Town, Green Avenue and Margalla Orchards, while reducing travel times for residents commuting toward central Islamabad.
For thousands of residents who depend on Park Road for work, education and daily travel, the underpass removes a major construction bottleneck and provides a more direct connection through the corridor.