Islamabad’s Rs 10.2 Billion 10th Avenue Road Project Faces Fresh Delays Despite Repeated Extensions

The long-awaited 10th Avenue road project in Islamabad has encountered yet another delay, raising serious concerns about planning, execution, and accountability within the Capital Development Authority (CDA). Despite the completion of several major infrastructure schemes across the capital in 2025, the strategically important project remains incomplete.

Launched in 2022 with an approved cost of Rs 10.2 billion, the project was initially expected to be completed by March 2024. However, repeated setbacks have pushed the timeline far beyond its original deadline. The latest extension expired on December 30, 2025, with the road still far from operational.

According to official sources, the CDA’s engineering wing has now formally requested an additional six-month extension for the contractor, the National Logistics Cell (NLC). This move has sparked frustration among residents, commuters, and urban planners who have long awaited relief from Islamabad’s growing traffic congestion.

The 10th Avenue project is considered a critical traffic artery designed to connect major sectors of the capital and ease pressure on existing road networks. Its delay has continued to burden commuters with longer travel times, fuel wastage, and increased congestion, particularly during peak hours.

CDA officials attribute the delays to a combination of technical challenges, land acquisition issues, and utility relocation hurdles. However, critics argue that weak project management and insufficient coordination between departments have played a significant role in slowing progress.

The repeated deadline extensions have also raised questions about cost overruns. While the project was initially approved at Rs 10.2 billion, prolonged construction timelines often result in increased financial burdens on the public exchequer. Transparency advocates are urging the CDA to disclose updated cost estimates and progress reports.

Urban development experts stress that infrastructure delays undermine public trust and hinder Islamabad’s long-term planning goals. They warn that unless stricter oversight mechanisms are introduced, similar projects could face the same fate, delaying much-needed improvements to the capital’s transport system.

As Islamabad continues to expand, timely completion of infrastructure projects like the 10th Avenue road is essential for sustainable urban mobility. With yet another extension under consideration, residents are watching closely to see whether this latest deadline will finally bring the project to completion or prolong an already troubled timeline.