Ring Road set for modern makeover

The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) on Wednesday inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mott MacDonald Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd to devise a modern land-use plan and corridor development strategy for the Rawalpindi Ring Road (RRR) project, where 70 per cent of construction has already been completed.

In line with the instructions of Noorul Amin Mengal, Secretary of Housing, Urban Development, and Public Health Engineering, the MoU seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for land use and corridor development along the Ring Road.

A meeting to formalise the agreement was held at the RDA Headquarters under the chairmanship of Additional Director General Mansoor Ahmed Khan.

RDA Chief Planner Muhammad Tahir Mew, Director Land Ghazanfar Ali Awan, Director Building Control Samiullah Niazi, Director MP&TE Atif Mehmood Chaudhry, senior RDA officials, and representatives of Mott MacDonald Pakistan attended the meeting.

The MoU was signed by the RDA Chief Planner and the MMP representatives, marking a significant step towards Rawalpindi's planned and sustainable urban growth.

The project spans an 8.38-kilometre stretch of the Ring Road with a 500-metre-wide belt, representing Pakistan's first modern urban development model based on an economic corridor concept.

The strategy is intended to transform the corridor into a hub of residential, commercial, and institutional activity, while also easing Rawalpindi's chronic traffic congestion.

It will incorporate contemporary urban design, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and improved public amenities. By adopting international best practices, the initiative is expected to strengthen connectivity, generate economic opportunities, and substantially improve the quality of life for local residents.

RDA Director-General Kinza Murtaza hailed the initiative as a historic milestone that will reshape the city's urban landscape. She noted that the project would not only provide world-class facilities but also contain urban sprawl, ensuring that Rawalpindi becomes more liveable and sustainable for future generations.

The RDA DG further emphasised that the partnership between RDA and Mott MacDonald Pakistan represents a proactive move towards integrated urban planning and development, positioning Rawalpindi as a model for cities across the country.

It is worth noting that the RRR is considered a "missing link" in the city's road infrastructure. With increasing traffic congestion on GT Road and inner city routes, the road is seen as the only viable alternative for diverting heavy traffic.

The road is also expected to contribute to economic development through the proposed economic zones and help reduce environmental pollution. Furthermore, it will significantly reduce road accidents and ensure smoother and uninterrupted traffic flow.

The project envisions the development of logistics and education centres, a health city, dry port, business hubs, industrial zones, transport terminals, wholesale markets, recreational parks, and residential communities along both sides of the corridor.