Rawalpindi: With approximately half of the 38.3-kilometer Rawalpindi Ring Road project completed, authorities have announced a major redesign of the Thalian Interchange to better accommodate increasing traffic demands and future expansion plans.
The redesign comes after consultations with the National Highway Authority (NHA), which has jurisdiction over the Thalian Interchange. The updated design will convert the interchange into a broader, more complex structure, aimed at improving traffic flow and connectivity.
This change is expected to significantly increase the overall cost of the project. The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) had earlier approved a revised PC-1 for the Rawalpindi Ring Road project at Rs. 33 billion, down from the previous estimate of Rs. 39 billion. However, due to the redesign, additional land acquisition requirements, and inflation in construction materials, the budget is now projected to rise again, potentially reaching between Rs. 39 billion and Rs. 40 billion.
The Frontier Works Organization (FWO), responsible for construction under the Rawalpindi Development Authority’s (RDA) Project Management Unit (PMU), has formally requested a revision of the contract costs. The organization cited outdated contract rates from 2021 as well as increased expenses faced in 2025.
The RDA has been directed to commence Section 4 proceedings to acquire additional land necessary for the expanded Thalian Interchange. This interchange is also set to play a key role in Phase 2 of the Rawalpindi Ring Road project.
While core infrastructure development moves forward, a proposal to establish economic zones along both sides of the Ring Road remains under consideration and awaits official approval.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has reaffirmed a target date of December 2025 for the completion of the Rawalpindi Ring Road, despite the rising costs and redesign efforts.
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