Islamabad: DHA Gandhara City has taken a significant step toward improving regional connectivity after receiving provisional approval for a dedicated interchange on the Lahore-Islamabad Motorway (M-2). The decision follows a review by the National Highway Authority (NHA) and subsequent approval by the National Highway Council (NHC), allowing the project to proceed under a relaxation of the existing motorway interchange policy.
The proposed interchange is intended to provide direct motorway access to DHA Phase-9 Islamabad, marketed as DHA Gandhara City. Once completed, the new access point is expected to improve travel convenience for residents, investors, and visitors while strengthening the project’s connection to Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and other major cities served by the M-2 Motorway. Dated: July 20, 2026
Why the Approval Matters
The Lahore-Islamabad Motorway (M-2) is one of Pakistan’s busiest controlled-access highways. Because of its strategic importance, the National Highway Authority regulates every new motorway entry and exit through strict engineering, traffic management, and safety standards.
Unlike conventional roads, direct motorway connections for private developments require regulatory approval to ensure they do not affect traffic flow or compromise road safety. Each proposal is evaluated based on technical feasibility, projected traffic demand, and compliance with national infrastructure standards.
Special Policy Relaxation Granted
According to available information, the proposed DHA Gandhara City interchange is located approximately 7 kilometres from the previously approved Capital Smart City interchange. Under the NHA’s motorway access policy, new interchanges are generally required to maintain a minimum separation distance of 10 kilometres.
Since the proposal did not meet the standard distance requirement, the matter was referred for consideration by the National Highway Council, which has the authority to approve policy relaxations in exceptional cases.
Approval Process
The proposal was first reviewed during the 485th meeting of the National Highway Authority Executive Board on June 16, 2026. Following detailed discussions, the Board referred the request to the National Highway Council (NHC) because the requested relaxation fell within the Council’s jurisdiction.
During its meeting held on June 22, 2026, the National Highway Council granted provisional approval for the dedicated motorway interchange, allowing the project to move forward subject to applicable engineering, regulatory, and construction requirements.
Private Motorway Interchanges Under NHA Policy
Pakistan’s motorway network was originally designed without direct access for private developments. However, policy changes introduced in 2019 allow eligible private-sector projects, including housing societies, commercial developments, industrial zones, medical cities, and tourism projects, to develop dedicated motorway interchanges at their own expense after fulfilling NHA requirements.
Each proposal must satisfy technical, traffic, environmental, and engineering standards before receiving final construction approval.
About DHA Gandhara City
DHA Gandhara City, also known as DHA Phase-9 Islamabad, is a large-scale residential development being undertaken by the Defence Housing Authority in collaboration with Army Welfare Trust (AWT) and Habib Rafiq (Pvt.) Ltd. (HRL). The project has obtained the required No Objection Certificate (NOC) and is planned as a modern mixed-use community featuring residential, commercial, and supporting infrastructure.
The addition of a dedicated motorway interchange is expected to enhance the project’s long-term accessibility and support future residential and commercial development.
Potential Impact on Islamabad’s Real Estate Market
Improved road infrastructure has historically played an important role in shaping real estate demand. Direct motorway connectivity can create several advantages, including:
- Better accessibility for residents and visitors
- Increased attractiveness for investors
- Growth opportunities for commercial activity
- Improved integration with surrounding developments
As Islamabad continues to expand toward new urban zones, transportation infrastructure remains a key factor influencing the success of large-scale housing projects
What Happens Next?
Although provisional approval has been granted, the motorway interchange is not yet operational. The project must still complete detailed engineering design, traffic studies, regulatory clearances, and construction in accordance with National Highway Authority standards before direct motorway access becomes available.
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