Islamabad Expressway Service Road East Project 2026: Construction Progress, Completion Timeline and Impact on Ghauri Town Property

Islamabad's expanding population and increasing traffic volumes have made infrastructure development an important priority for the capital. Among the ongoing initiatives, the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East Project is emerging as a significant development for residents travelling between Faizabad, Khanna Pul, Korang and Gulberg Greens.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) officially started construction of the project in August 2026. The initiative involves upgrading the existing eastern service road into a modern six-lane road corridor, supported by major infrastructure improvements, including a flyover at Faizabad and an underpass near Khanna Pul.

For residents of Ghauri Town and neighbouring localities, this development is particularly relevant because of its potential to improve access to Islamabad Expressway and surrounding commercial and residential areas.

Beyond improving road infrastructure, the project also carries potential implications for commercial activity, urban connectivity and future property development along the corridor.

1. Islamabad Expressway Service Road East Project: An Overview

The Islamabad Expressway Service Road East Project is being developed by the Capital Development Authority to improve traffic circulation and replace the deteriorated existing service road with a wider and more efficient road network.

The project covers approximately 8.5 kilometres, extending from Faizabad Interchange towards Gulberg Greens.

According to reports published when construction began, the project was awarded to M/s Leimar following the bidding process.

The development is designed to facilitate local commuters, improve connections between Islamabad and Rawalpindi and reduce pressure on the main Islamabad Expressway.

Key Project Details

• Project Name: Islamabad Expressway Service Road East
• Executing Authority: Capital Development Authority (CDA)
• Starting Point: Faizabad Interchange
• Ending Point: Gulberg Greens
• Total Length: Approximately 8.5 kilometres
• Road Design: Six-lane road corridor
• Major Structures: Flyover at Faizabad and underpass at Khanna Pul
• Contractor: M/s Leimar
• Construction Start: August 2026
• Original Completion Period: One year under the approved PC-I

The project is intended to improve accessibility for several residential and commercial areas located along the eastern side of Islamabad Expressway.

2. Latest Construction Progress: October 2026 Update

Construction activities officially commenced in August 2026 after the project was inaugurated and the relevant authorities were directed to accelerate development.

During the initial phase, the project involved site surveys, clearance activities and relocation of utility services to prepare the alignment for construction.

In October 2026, CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf conducted multiple inspections of the project to review construction progress, quality standards and implementation arrangements.

During his October 22 visit, the chairman directed the concerned departments to ensure timely completion according to the approved designs without compromising construction quality.

The inspections also highlighted the importance of maintaining effective traffic management throughout the construction period to minimise inconvenience for commuters.

Although construction is progressing, CDA has not publicly confirmed a final percentage of completion as of October 30, 2026. Therefore, the actual development status of individual sections and structures should be distinguished from the overall project timeline.

3. Expected Completion Timeline: When Will the Road Be Ready?

The approved PC-I provides an original completion period of one year.

Since construction officially started in August 2026, the original project timeline points towards August 2027 as the planned completion window.

However, the project received additional attention from Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who directed CDA to complete the development on a fast-track basis rather than waiting for the full one-year period.

Reports also quoted a CDA engineer suggesting that the project could potentially be completed in approximately 150 working days if construction proceeded without major delays.

Nevertheless, this shorter duration should be considered an accelerated target rather than a confirmed completion date.

The actual opening timeline will depend on construction progress, completion of the flyover and underpass, utility arrangements and other technical requirements.

For residents and daily commuters, the completion of these major structures will be particularly important because the project's full traffic benefits depend on the functionality of the entire corridor.

4. Major Infrastructure Features of the Project

The Islamabad Expressway Service Road East Project is not limited to resurfacing or widening an existing road. It includes several important infrastructure components intended to improve traffic movement.

Six-Lane Road Development

The existing eastern service road is being upgraded into a wider six-lane road corridor.

This improvement is intended to provide additional road capacity, facilitate local traffic and improve movement along the eastern side of Islamabad Expressway.

A wider road network can also help reduce pressure on surrounding intersections, particularly during peak commuting hours.

Flyover at Faizabad Interchange

One of the major components is a proposed flyover at Faizabad.

The structure is intended to connect the upgraded service road with Murree Road and improve traffic movement around one of the busiest transport junctions connecting Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Once completed, it is expected to facilitate smoother movement for commuters travelling between the two cities.

Underpass at Khanna Pul

Another significant component is an underpass at the Lehtrar Road and Khanna Pul intersection.

Khanna Pul is an important connecting point for residents travelling between Ghauri Town, Lehtrar Road and Islamabad Expressway.

The proposed underpass is intended to reduce traffic interruptions at the intersection and facilitate smoother movement through the area.

This component is particularly relevant for residents of nearby residential localities who regularly use Khanna Pul to access the main expressway.

5. Proposed Blue Area-Style Commercial Development

Apart from road infrastructure, another important aspect of the project is the proposed commercial development along the service road.

According to reports published in August 2026, CDA's planning wing was considering the designation of a commercial strip along the upgraded corridor.

The proposed concept has been compared with Islamabad's Blue Area, with the possibility of accommodating:

• High-rise commercial buildings
• Corporate and business offices
• Shopping malls and retail outlets
• Banks and financial institutions
• Restaurants and other commercial facilities

The reported plan also includes the possibility of auctioning commercial plots to generate revenue for future development initiatives.

However, it is important to understand that the proposed commercial corridor should not be treated as an already approved or fully developed business district. Its final planning, land-use arrangements and commercial plot details would depend on formal CDA decisions and approvals.

If implemented, this initiative could introduce additional business activity along Islamabad Expressway and create new commercial opportunities in the surrounding areas.

6. How Will the Project Affect Ghauri Town and Surrounding Areas?

Ghauri Town is among the residential localities where improved road connectivity could be particularly relevant.

Its proximity to Khanna Pul and the Islamabad Expressway makes accessibility an important consideration for residents, property owners and local businesses.

The development could influence the surrounding property market through several channels.

Improved Accessibility for Ghauri Town Residents

The proposed improvements at Khanna Pul and the eastern service road are expected to facilitate access towards Islamabad Expressway.

Residents travelling towards Faizabad, central Islamabad and other connected locations may benefit from improved road infrastructure once the project becomes operational.

Better Connectivity with Surrounding Residential Areas

The project could also improve movement between Khanna Pul, Korang, Sohan and Gulberg Greens.

These connections are important for people travelling between residential neighborhoods, commercial centers and employment locations.

Improved accessibility can make surrounding localities more convenient for residential use.

Opportunities for Commercial Businesses

Better road access and increased movement can create opportunities for commercial activity.

Shops, restaurants, offices and other businesses located at suitable and legally approved commercial locations may benefit from improved accessibility.

The proposed commercial corridor could further strengthen the area's business potential if CDA formally implements the plan.

Increased Attention Towards Infrastructure and Property Documentation

As major infrastructure projects progress, buyers may pay greater attention to the legal status, accessibility and development condition of surrounding properties.

For Ghauri Town, this consideration is particularly important because road development does not automatically resolve the area's existing planning, regularization or property documentation issues.

7. CDA Enforcement Drive Along Islamabad Expressway East

Alongside the infrastructure project, CDA has also intensified enforcement against unauthorized construction and commercial activities along Islamabad Expressway East.

During its October 2026 inspections, CDA reported that 377 structures had been identified for enforcement action, including 281 commercial buildings.

The authority also reported that:

• 58 buildings had been sealed.
• 124 structures between Sohan and Khanna Pul had been identified for demolition.
• Approximately Rs. 250.59 million had been recovered through enforcement-related actions.
• Around Rs. 3 billion remained recoverable under applicable regulations.

The enforcement operation focuses on unauthorized construction, non-conforming land use, building control violations and mandatory fire-safety requirements.

This is an important development for property owners and commercial operators along the corridor.

It also highlights that improved infrastructure and commercial opportunities must go hand in hand with proper land-use permissions and compliance with applicable regulations.

Buyers should therefore verify the legal status and permitted use of individual properties rather than assuming that proximity to a major road automatically makes a property suitable for commercial development.

8. What Should Property Buyers and Investors Consider?

Infrastructure development can improve the long-term attractiveness of surrounding locations, but buyers should evaluate individual properties carefully.

Before purchasing property in Ghauri Town or adjoining areas, consider the following factors:

1. Legal Documentation: Verify ownership documents, transfer records and the applicable legal status of the property.

2. Accessibility: Check the actual distance from the property to the proposed road corridor and its connecting routes.

3. Development Status: Evaluate existing road conditions, electricity, water supply, drainage and other essential facilities.

4. Commercial Permissions: Confirm whether the property is legally designated for residential or commercial use.

5. Construction and Encroachment Risks: Check whether any proposed road alignment, right-of-way or enforcement action could affect the property.

6. Actual Project Progress: Follow official CDA announcements and inspect construction progress instead of relying entirely on promotional claims.

These checks can help buyers distinguish between properties that genuinely benefit from infrastructure improvements and those that may carry additional legal or development risks.

9. What Does the Future Hold for the Islamabad Expressway Corridor?

The Islamabad Expressway Service Road East Project represents an important step towards improving connectivity between Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

The proposed six-lane corridor, flyover at Faizabad and underpass at Khanna Pul are expected to improve traffic circulation and provide better access to surrounding residential and commercial areas.

For Ghauri Town, Khanna Pul, Korang, Sohan and Gulberg Greens, the development is particularly relevant because these localities are connected to the wider Expressway network.

The proposed commercial strip could also introduce additional economic activity if it receives the necessary planning approvals and moves towards implementation.

However, the long-term impact will depend on timely project completion, effective traffic management, proper commercial planning and compliance with building and land-use regulations.

For property buyers, the most important approach is to consider infrastructure improvements alongside legal documentation, development standards and the actual condition of individual properties.

Conclusion

The Islamabad Expressway Service Road East Project is more than a routine road improvement initiative. It is a significant infrastructure development that could improve connectivity, facilitate daily commuting and support commercial activity along an important corridor connecting Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

With construction underway and CDA monitoring progress, residents of Ghauri Town and neighboring localities have an important reason to follow the project's development.

As the project moves towards completion, its actual benefits will become clearer through the operational performance of the road, flyover and underpass.

For buyers and investors, understanding both the infrastructure opportunities and the legal status of surrounding properties remains essential when making informed real estate decisions.

Deal One Real Estate continues to highlight important infrastructure developments and property-market updates to help buyers, investors and property owners make better-informed decisions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.