Rawalpindi: The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to opening the Rawalpindi Ring Road by June 30, with officials maintaining that the landmark infrastructure project remains on schedule despite some ongoing work at various sections.
According to officials associated with the project, preparations are underway to hold the inauguration ceremony before the end of the month for the nearly PKR 50 billion road network, which is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion in Rawalpindi.
The 38.3-kilometre-long Ring Road stretches from Baanth village on GT Road near Rawat to Thalian, where it connects with the motorway. Designed as a six-lane, controlled-access corridor with a right of way of 90 metres, the road will support a maximum speed of 120 kilometres per hour.
Officials acknowledged that some finishing work is still in progress, including roadside safety features, drainage infrastructure, and right-of-way-related development along an approximately eight-kilometre stretch. However, they expressed confidence that the project will meet its scheduled completion and launch date.
The Ring Road includes five interchanges located at Baanth (GT Road), Maira Mohra (Chakbeli Road), Khasala (Adiala Road), Kolian Parr (Chakri Road), and Thalian (Motorway). The project also features two river bridges, 12 bridges over nullahs, a railway bridge near Baanth, and 11 overpasses.
In addition to improving traffic flow, the project is expected to stimulate economic activity through the development of an industrial zone along the corridor. Authorities said the land acquisition process for the proposed industrial area is ongoing.
The RDA is overseeing the project, while the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) is serving as the contractor. So far, 8,992 kanals of land have been acquired at a cost of PKR 6.7 billion.
The foundation stone of the Ring Road was laid in March 2022 by then-prime minister Imran Khan. While the original proposal envisioned a 68-kilometre route, the project was later revised and approved with a 38.3-kilometre alignment.
Once operational, the Rawalpindi Ring Road is expected to provide a faster alternative route for commuters and heavy traffic, reducing pressure on the city’s existing road network and improving connectivity between major highways and urban centres.
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