Rawalpindi: NESPAK has completed the feasibility study for Phase II of the Rawalpindi Ring Road, with the first of three proposed alignments identified as the most suitable and cost-effective option.
The preferred proposal involves upgrading an existing section of the M-2 motorway between Thallian and Hakla Interchange along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) route.
First Option Estimated at Rs. 9 Billion
Under the recommended option, the existing motorway section would be expanded from three lanes to five lanes in each direction.
The proposed expansion would cover approximately 15.3 kilometres and is estimated to cost around Rs. 9 billion.
The option would improve connectivity between Thallian and Hakla without requiring the construction of an entirely new alignment, making it the least costly of the three alternatives examined in the feasibility study.
Two Other Alignment Options Considered
NESPAK also assessed two alternative routes.
The second option proposes construction of a new 19.5-kilometre route, with an estimated cost of approximately Rs. 18 billion.
The third option involves a 26.5-kilometre alignment on the western side of the motorway, with an estimated cost of around Rs. 24 billion.
Based on the feasibility assessment, the first option has been identified as the preferred route because of its comparatively lower cost and use of the existing motorway corridor.
Phase I of Ring Road Nears Completion
Meanwhile, work on the 38.3-kilometre first phase of the Rawalpindi Ring Road has largely been completed.
The first phase connects GT Road at Banth Mor with Thallian Interchange and includes five interchanges.
Four interchanges at:
- Banth
- Chakbeli Khan
- Adiala
- Chakri
have been completed.
Construction work on the Thallian Interchange is still underway following its conversion to broad-based status. However, the Ring Road has already been connected with the motorway.
Tolling Infrastructure Still Under Construction
The main carriageway of Phase I has been completed, while work continues on toll booths and the tolling system.
Once the remaining works are completed, the project is expected to be transferred from the Project Management Unit (PMU) to the Punjab Ring Road Authority for operation.
The project has faced several revisions to its expected completion and inauguration schedule. August 14 was the latest anticipated inauguration date, but the event did not take place as tolling infrastructure remained incomplete.
Service Area Removed From Ring Road Route
Separately, a service area established along the Ring Road, which had previously attracted controversy, has been removed from the route.
With the Phase II feasibility study now complete, the first alignment provides a proposed approach for improving connectivity between Thallian and Hakla.
However, implementation of the recommended option will remain subject to the required government approvals, funding arrangements, and final project decisions.
If approved, the preferred alignment could strengthen the connection between the Rawalpindi Ring Road network and the M-2 motorway while providing additional road capacity along the Thallian-Hakla corridor.
