New 9 km Faizabad–Gulberg Greens Link Road Approved to Ease Islamabad Traffic

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has officially approved a major infrastructure project that promises significant relief to motorists in Islamabad — a new 9 kilometer link road connecting Faizabad Interchange to Gulberg Greens along the Islamabad Expressway. The announcement has brought welcome news for commuters frequently troubled by congestion on one of the capital’s busiest thoroughfares.

Traffic congestion along the Islamabad Expressway — especially at key junctions like Faizabad — has been a longstanding challenge for daily commuters, residents of adjacent sectors, and commercial traffic alike. Rapid urban expansion, increasing population density, and limited alternative routes have contributed to hours-long travel times during peak morning and evening periods. With this new link road approved, officials aim to provide motorists with a dependable alternate corridor that will significantly reduce pressure on the main expressway.

Details of the New Link Road

The approved 9 km link road will stretch from the Faizabad Interchange to Gulberg Greens, traversing several key residential and urban areas along the expressway corridor. This strategic alignment is designed to serve commuters traveling between housing societies, commercial zones, and work hubs, providing a smooth alternative to the often congested main highway.

According to CDA officials, the new service road will initially be constructed in phases, with the first phase covering the stretch up to Gulberg Greens. Subsequent phases will extend the route further, potentially linking up with adjoining service roads to create a continuous alternate corridor parallel to the expressway. Over time, this expanded network is expected to reach Korral and Rawat areas, further enhancing regional connectivity and easing traffic flow for longer-distance travel.

Positive Impact on Daily Commuters and Residents

For daily commuters — particularly those living in Islamabad’s expanding residential sectors — the new link road promises a dramatic improvement in travel experience. Long queues, frequent slowdowns, and peak-hour bottlenecks at Faizabad Interchange have been consistent obstacles, prompting many drivers to seek alternative back roads or secondary routes. With the service road in place, motorists will have access to a dedicated route that can absorb a significant portion of local and through traffic, reducing travel time and commuter stress.

Residents of areas like Soan, Pindorian, Shakrial, Garden Town, Khanna, Kangal, Ghouri Town, and Korral — all of which lie along or near the proposed route — are likely to benefit directly once the first phase is completed. The service road is expected to offer not just improved connectivity, but also better access to commercial zones, public services, and employment centers across the capital.

Part of Broader CDA Traffic Relief Strategy

The new link road project is part of a wider strategy by the Capital Development Authority to combat rising traffic issues and upgrade road infrastructure across Islamabad. With expanding urban populations and increasing vehicle ownership, the existing road network has struggled to keep up with demand, particularly during peak hours. This has led officials to prioritize alternative corridors, service road expansions, and traffic flow enhancements.

The CDA’s plan is not limited to constructing new roads. It also includes a comprehensive approach to upgrading expressway service roads, enhancing entry and exit points at major interchanges, and improving signal systems for smoother traffic transitions. While some earlier proposals — such as a complete overhaul of the Faizabad Interchange — have been reconsidered in favor of more focused solutions, the service road effort represents a practical way forward in the short to medium term.

Why the Link Road Matters Now

With increasing urban sprawl and growing numbers of commuters using the Islamabad Expressway daily, the pressure on the city’s transport infrastructure is at an all-time high. The new Faizabad–Gulberg Greens link road addresses a real need for relief — particularly for those who travel for work, education, or business purposes. By offering an alternative corridor, the road aims to:

Reduce travel time during peak hours
Improve traffic flow across the expressway
Enhance connectivity between major residential and commercial districts
Support regional growth by facilitating smoother transit routes

Officials believe the link road will not only ease congestion in the short term but will lay the groundwork for future infrastructure improvements that keep pace with Islamabad’s growth.

Looking Ahead

While construction timelines are still being finalized, the approval of the 9 km link road from Faizabad to Gulberg Greens marks a pivotal step in Islamabad’s ongoing infrastructure development. As the project moves forward, residents and commuters can look forward to less congested roads, faster travel times, and an overall improvement in daily mobility throughout the capital.

The project is also expected to contribute positively to the city’s economic landscape, encouraging greater movement across commercial and residential hubs and strengthening Islamabad’s position as a growing urban centre.

For now, motorists and city planners alike are eagerly anticipating the rollout of this crucial traffic relief initiative — one that looks set to transform how people move around Pakistan’s federal capital city.