The National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) has proposed expanding the existing M-2 Motorway instead of constructing a new road alignment for the second phase of the Rawalpindi Ring Road (RRR) project, according to a recently completed feasibility study.
Prepared in collaboration with ACE Private Limited, the feasibility report has been submitted to the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) and will now be sent to the Punjab government for review and approval.
The study recommends adding two additional lanes on each side of the M-2 Motorway between Thalian Interchange and Srinagar Interchange, describing the proposal as the most practical and cost-effective solution to meet future traffic demand, including the movement of heavy commercial vehicles.
According to the report, widening the existing motorway would significantly improve traffic capacity while avoiding the higher costs associated with developing an entirely new road corridor.
During the study, consultants assessed three alternative alignments for Rawalpindi Ring Road Phase II before concluding that expanding the M-2 offered the best overall solution.
The proposed second phase aims to extend connectivity beyond the under-construction Rs. 47 billion Rawalpindi Ring Road, which currently ends at Thalian Interchange. If approved, the motorway expansion will enhance links between the national motorway network and G.T. Road, while supporting increasing traffic volumes and regional economic growth.
