Ring Road project hits another snag

The long-stalled Rawalpindi Ring Road (RR) project, which has remained in limbo for the past 24 years, is once again facing the prospect of further delays.

Full land acquisition for the project has yet to be completed, while several critical bridge and interchange designs remain pending. Additionally, the rising cost of construction materials - particularly cement, steel, and aggregate - is expected to further inflate the project's overall budget.

The 38.3-kilometre Ring Road, with an estimated cost of Rs24 billion, comprises five interchanges, two major river bridges, seven canal bridges, one railway bridge, 11 overhead bridges, and ten underpasses.

Rawalpindi Division Commissioner and RR Project Director, Aamir Khattak, has taken serious note of the project's lagging progress. During a detailed site visit, he undertook a thorough inspection of the construction activities, project offices, and quality of execution.

Expressing grave concern over the sluggish pace, the commissioner reviewed the overall status of the project and issued clear instructions to accelerate progress in order to meet the defined targets.

Emphasising the importance of preemptive planning in light of the monsoon season, he called for the implementation of a robust strategy to ensure continuity of work during periods of heavy rainfall.

Khattak further directed that land acquisition processes for the Thallian Interchange be commenced immediately. Additionally, an urgent meeting with the National Highway Authority (NHA) chairman was proposed to expedite the issuance of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) and to finalise approval of the revised design plans.

Directives were also issued to begin construction of the bridge at Chakri Interchange, complete the slope cutting and formation work, and initiate sub-base work at all sites where progress has yet to begin. Acceleration of works at the railway bridge and Banth Interchange was also mandated.

The commissioner was informed that the overall physical progress of the Ring Road project currently stands at 70%. Backfilling operations are underway on various culverts, rivers, and subways between the Thallian and Banth interchanges. Superstructure activities, including deck launching on several bridges, have also recommenced.

He further instructed that detailed daily progress reports be compiled, with work tracked by component and activity. The project is to be monitored in four defined segments: Thallian to Chakri, Chakri to Khasala, Khasala to Chak Beli, and Chak Beli to Banth. A comprehensive schedule outlining all remaining tasks within each segment must be developed.

Furthermore, the Commissioner ordered immediate rehabilitation of access roads to construction sites, many of which are currently in poor condition. Fencing installation and other associated civil works must also begin without delay.

The Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) has been tasked with assessing the performance of all subcontractors and replacing any that are underperforming. Absolute compliance with quality standards and timely completion targets is to be enforced.