Rawalpindi: The opening of the PKR 47 billion Rawalpindi Ring Road has been delayed by a few more weeks as authorities complete the remaining construction work, including interchange ramps, drainage infrastructure and fencing along the 38-kilometre route.
According to a senior district administration official, the main carriageway from Baanth on Grand Trunk Road to Thalian on the motorway has been completed. However, work is still underway on interchange ramps at Chakri, Khasala and Chak Beli Khan, which are expected to be finished within one to two weeks.
The official said drainage nullahs are also being constructed at selected locations to prevent flooding during the ongoing monsoon season.
Fencing along the main carriageway has resumed after a brief pause. Around 70% of the concrete pillars have already been installed, while work on barbed wire fencing is in progress. Authorities said the fencing will prevent unauthorized vehicular and pedestrian crossings and discourage commercial encroachments along the corridor.
Construction of toll plazas is also progressing, with foundation work completed. The Punjab Ring Road Authority will install toll collection facilities and a computerized ticketing system before the road becomes operational. Toll rates are expected to be similar to those charged on the Lahore Ring Road.
Rawalpindi Ring Road Deputy Project Director Ashfaq Sulheri said the project was nearly complete and the Punjab government had been updated on its progress.
He said green belts, road signs, lighting and lampposts would be completed within the next one to two weeks, while fencing would require a little more time. The provincial government will decide the official opening date once all remaining work is completed.
The 38.3-kilometre Rawalpindi Ring Road stretches from Baanth on GT Road to Thalian on the motorway and includes five interchanges at Baanth, Maira Mohra, Khasala, Kolian Par and Thalian. An industrial zone is also planned along the route.
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