Ring Road deadline slips again

Project has missed multiple deadlines; May 30 set as new 'final' target amid delays

RAWALPINDI:

Repeated extensions in the completion deadline of the Rawalpindi Ring Road project have become routine, with authorities now setting May 30, 2026, as the "final" deadline. Earlier deadlines of December 30, 2025, and March 30, 2026, were missed.

The new deadline was announced by Rawalpindi Commissioner and Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) Director General, Engineer Aamir Khattak, after a detailed review of the ongoing construction work. The construction company assured completion by the revised date.

During a site visit, the commissioner reviewed progress and received a briefing from FWO officials. According to the briefing, the project has reached 85% physical completion. Khattak directed that the project must be completed by May 30 at all costs.

The Ring Road includes five major interchanges at Banth, Chak Beli Khan, Adiala Road, Chakri Road and Thalian. The commissioner said economic zones along the route will play a key role in boosting the regional economy, promoting modern town planning and urban development, and addressing issues like urban sprawl and encroachments. He added that investors would be provided maximum facilities and that no compromise would be made on construction quality.

He termed the project a potential game-changer for the region, saying it would not only improve traffic flow but also create significant economic opportunities.

The Rs50 billion project, which began in 2025, has seen its cost rise from Rs33 billion. Initially, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had set December 30, 2025, as the completion deadline, later revised to March 30, 2026. With both deadlines missed, the new target has now been set for May 30.

The 38.6-kilometre road will run from GT Road (Banth Mor) to the Thalian Interchange on the motorway. Work on Phase II and the proposed expansion of the Thalian Interchange into a broad-based interchange also remains incomplete.