Rawalpindi: The Rawalpindi Ring Road Project Management Unit (PMU) has prepared a revised PC-I, raising the project’s cost from PKR 33 billion to PKR 45 billion, even as 72% of construction work has been completed.
Officials said the revision, finalised in consultation with Nespak, will now be sent to the Punjab government through the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) for approval.
The PKR 12 billion cost increase is attributed to the inclusion of a new interchange at Thalian, the construction of toll plazas at entry and exit points, and the sharp rise in construction material prices.
Deputy Project Director Ashfaq Sulheri confirmed that design changes had made the revision necessary. “Earlier, the Motorway interchange was not part of the plan, and toll plazas were not included either. The size of roads at interchanges has also been expanded, while the contractor has sought price escalation,” he said.
He added that although the Soan Bridge has been completed and asphalt work has begun, the project faced delays during the monsoon season. To make up for lost time, work is now being carried out in three shifts, with progress accelerating on interchanges, bridges, and road surfacing.
The Rawalpindi Ring Road, spanning 38.3 kilometres, will feature five interchanges — at Banth, Chak Baili Khan, Adiala Road, Chakri Road and Thalian. An industrial zone is also planned along the corridor. The six-lane controlled-access road is designed for a speed of 120 km/h.
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