Rawalpindi: The divisional administration has initiated land acquisition for the Rs. 5 billion Thalian Interchange, a key component of the Rawalpindi Ring Road project, ahead of construction scheduled to begin next week.
Officials confirmed that an additional 358 kanals of land will be acquired near the motorway, following revisions to the original design that had initially allocated 557 kanals for the interchange. The administration has invoked Section 14 to facilitate the acquisition process.
Divisional Commissioner Aamer Khattak chaired a meeting to address issues related to houses and other structures within the project area. Authorities expect to resolve these matters within the coming days to avoid delays in the construction schedule.
The Thalian Interchange is expected to handle more than 18,000 vehicles daily, connecting the Ring Road with the motorway and improving traffic flow across the region. The Rawalpindi Ring Road project, now costing Rs. 47 billion, will feature five interchanges along its 38.3-kilometer stretch and operate as a six-lane controlled-access corridor with a design speed of 120 km/h.
Preparatory work by the Frontier Works Organisation is already underway. Contractors have completed 28 kilometers of asphalt work, while construction on other interchanges and overpasses is in progress. Installation of lampposts, lighting systems, and jersey barriers has started, with water channels expected to be completed within two weeks.
Authorities have also proposed adopting a toll system similar to the Lahore Ring Road, with a proposed fee of Rs. 80 per vehicle. A summary regarding the toll model is expected to be submitted to the Punjab government for approval next week.
The administration considers the Thalian Interchange a pivotal element in enhancing connectivity and traffic management in Rawalpindi, supporting both local commuters and regional transport needs.
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