Ring Road project cost rises to Rs50b
The PC-I of the Rawalpindi Ring Road project has been revised upward from Rs33 billion to Rs50b following the preparation of a new design to broaden and future-proof the Thallian Interchange, which links the scheme to the motorway. Approximately 70 per cent of the work has been completed, while the project's deadline has now been extended from December 2025 to March 2026.
According to details, progress on the long-delayed mega scheme - being executed under the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) — continues steadily. Carpeting has been completed on a significant section of the Ring Road, while construction is advancing rapidly across various segments, including bridges and protective embankments, along the 38.3 km route stretching from Banth on the GT Road to the Thallian Interchange.
Despite Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's directive to complete the project by December 2025, the inability to finalise work across the entire stretch and the decision to expand the Thallian Interchange for future requirements have not only pushed back the completion timeline but also increased the project cost by Rs17b. Consequently, the contractor has been issued a revised completion deadline of March 2026.
It is pertinent to mention that the contractor, FWO, had previously been working under the revised Rs33b PC-I, which has now been replaced with an updated Rs50b PC-I owing to the additional expansion work.
RDA Director-General Kinza Murtaza said the project is progressing at pace and will be completed within the newly set deadline of March 2026. She described the Ring Road as a game-changing initiative for the Rawalpindi Division, noting that, in line with the vision of CM Maryam Nawaz, it will not only serve as a major alternative traffic corridor but will also underpin planning for economic zones, transport terminals, a fruit and vegetable market, and other future infrastructure needs.
The RDA, she added, is in continuous consultation with experts and stakeholders to advance these plans.