Preliminary RR-II feasibility completed

Existing M-2 Motorway expansion identified as most practical option

RAWALPINDI:

NESPAK has completed the preliminary feasibility study for Rawalpindi Ring Road Phase-II - Thalian to Hakla Interchange - under the CPEC route project.

According to sources, NESPAK has prepared three alignment options for the project, which will be submitted to the Punjab cabinet along with recommendations for approval.

The first option proposes widening the existing M-2 Motorway from three lanes on each side to five lanes on each side. The project would be 15.3 kilometres long and is estimated to cost around Rs9 billion. NESPAK has termed it the most suitable, economical and practical option. The second option proposes construction of a new 19.5-kilometre highway on the eastern side of the motorway at an estimated cost of Rs18 billion. The third option suggests a 26.5-kilometre corridor on the western side, costing about Rs24 billion.

NESPAK said the western alignment would be the longest and most expensive option and would require extensive land acquisition.

According to the report, expanding the existing motorway would reduce construction costs by 50 to 60 per cent compared to the other options. Owing to the use of existing infrastructure, lower land acquisition requirements and a shorter completion period, the first option has been given preference.

The feasibility report also identifies technical challenges relating to traffic management during construction, right-of-way issues and interchanges. Experts believe the expected benefits of the western alignment do not justify the heavy investment, making it less economically viable.