Islamabad’s Rs 10.2 Billion 10th Avenue Project Remains Delayed

Islamabad’s key 10th Avenue road project, launched to ease traffic congestion, has faced another major setback as the Capital Development Authority (CDA) seeks a fresh six-month extension after the project missed its revised deadline, despite billions already spent and partial infrastructure completed.

The 10th Avenue project was initiated in 2022 with an approved cost of Rs10.2 billion and was originally scheduled for completion in March 2024. The project was later granted an extension until December 30, 2025, but work failed to resume meaningfully due to financial constraints and administrative delays.

Construction has remained suspended for nearly six months after partial earthwork and the building of five bridges. Around 50 percent of the project has been completed so far, while unfinished pillars, ramps, and road sections are showing signs of deterioration. Two bridges constructed under the project are already operational, but key stretches remain incomplete, particularly between IJP Road and H-9.

A senior CDA official said, “The release of funds is critical to restart work, especially where earthwork has already been completed and infrastructure is at risk of damage.”

Since 2022, the federal government has released Rs4.2 billion for the project, which CDA officials confirm has been fully utilized. However, the scheme was excluded from the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for 2025–26, leaving the authority without additional funding to continue construction. CDA has once again approached the federal government to secure funds and prevent further deterioration of the project.

The prolonged delay of the 10th Avenue project is adding pressure to Islamabad’s already congested road network, raising concerns about cost escalation and long-term infrastructure damage if work does not resume soon.