RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Ring Road project has missed its sixth completion and operational deadline, despite most of the 38.6-kilometre route being ready for traffic. The remaining work mainly involves the installation of toll booths and completion of the redesigned Thallian Interchange.
The project connects Banth Interchange on GT Road with Thallian Interchange, providing a direct link between the Ring Road and the motorway network.
Four Interchanges Completed
Four of the project’s five major interchanges (Banth, Chak Beli Khan, Adiala and Chakri) have been completed.
Work is still continuing at the Thallian Interchange, where authorities are implementing a revised, broader design. Toll booth installation is also reportedly nearing completion.
Authorities have yet to finalize whether the Ring Road will be opened before the tolling infrastructure is fully installed or whether inauguration will take place after the remaining work is completed.
Project Handover Underway
The Punjab Ring Road Authority (PRRA) has started taking control of completed sections in preparation for the project’s eventual opening.
The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), which is executing the project, along with the Project Management Unit (PMU), is transferring different sections to the PRRA in phases.
The road is expected to become operational following its formal inauguration. Authorities are currently awaiting a date from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
Project Cost Rises to Rs. 46.64 Billion
The repeated delays have also increased the overall cost of the project.
The latest estimated cost has reached Rs. 46.64 billion, including an additional Rs. 3.5 billion in escalation charges. The increase has been attributed to inflation, higher prices of construction materials and prevailing market rates during the extended construction period.
The additional cost highlights the financial impact of keeping a major infrastructure project under construction beyond its originally scheduled completion period.
Opening Date Remains Pending
Although the main carriageway is largely complete, the absence of a confirmed inauguration date means the project has yet to enter full operation.
Once opened, the Ring Road is expected to improve connectivity between different parts of Rawalpindi and provide a more direct connection to the motorway through Thallian. The project’s actual traffic and economic impact, however, will become clearer after it becomes fully operational.
For property owners and investors along the corridor, the opening of the road could improve accessibility, but any investment decision should also consider approved land use, development status and applicable planning regulations rather than relying solely on expected infrastructure benefits.
