Rawalpindi: The Rawalpindi Ring Road project will undergo a progress review by a team from the Punjab Planning and Development Board before approval of its revised PC-I, which has increased the estimated cost of the project to Rs53 billion.
According to a senior official from the Planning and Development Department, the pre-Punjab Development Working Party (PDWP) meeting held last week noted several observations on the revised PC-I. The cost escalation was attributed to rising construction material prices over the past three years, widening of bridges with stone-pitching work to protect against floods, and modifications including toll plazas and the remodeling of the Thalian Interchange.
The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) indicated that the contract had originally been awarded to the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) based on 2022 material prices. However, construction material costs have reportedly increased by around 40 per cent since then.
The Planning and Development Board has requested a site visit to review the work carried out so far. Following the inspection, the board will make a decision regarding the approval of the revised PC-I.
RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza stated that the observations from the pre-PDWP meeting would be addressed and the revised PC-I would be resubmitted within a week. She added that the project is progressing on a fast track and is expected to be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
The 38.3km Rawalpindi Ring Road will feature five interchanges at Baanth, Chak Baili Khan, Adiala Road, Chakri Road, and Thalian. The project also includes flood protection measures, construction of an industrial zone along the route, and relocation of bus and goods vehicle stands.
Work on interchanges, bridges, and road asphalt is underway simultaneously to ensure timely completion. The Planning and Development Board’s review is part of the standard procedure for projects that have completed more than 70 per cent of construction and involve design or cost changes.
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