Rawalpindi Ring Road nears completion

Officials claim project is over 90% complete, set to be opened for traffic on June 15

RAWALPINDI:

Over 90 per cent of construction work on the Rawalpindi Ring Road route has been completed, and the project is now ready to become operational by June 15, officials said.

According to details, the 38.6-kilometre route—considered a missing link for Rawalpindi's traffic network—has reached its final stage of completion, with full carpeting already done. All four interchanges at Baanth, Chak Beli Khan, Adiala, and Chakri have been completed, while remaining work is limited to minor sewerage and finishing touches, which are being expedited.

Officials said the Ring Road will initially be opened for traffic from the GT Road Baanth interchange, while access to the motorway will be facilitated without the completion of the Thalian Interchange. The Thalian Interchange, part of Phase II and a broad-based interchange project, will be completed later.

Sources in the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), the executing agency, confirmed that more than 90 percent of the project has been completed excluding the Thalian Interchange. The total project cost stands at Rs46.64 billion, which also includes funds for additional land acquisition for Phase II.

They said the inauguration date will be formally approved by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Officials further stated that once completed, traffic will be able to enter the motorway through the Thalian side, while current entry will remain operational via Baanth interchange.

Meanwhile, discussions are underway regarding the establishment of industrial estates along the Ring Road corridor. The PIEDMC has approved the proposal, though final approval from the Punjab Assembly is still awaited. Upon approval, land will be acquired and allotted to industrialists through the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce at concessional rates.

Business community leaders, including Malik Shahid Ghafoor Paracha, have welcomed the project, calling it a "game changer" for the region, expected to boost development, economic activity, and employment opportunities in Rawalpindi.