RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Ring Road is expected to be inaugurated on October 28, with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz likely to formally open the 38.3-kilometre project at Banth Interchange on Grand Trunk (GT) Road.
Preparations for the inauguration are underway as the main route has been completed, including four interchanges at Banth, Chak Beli Khan, Adiala, and Chakri. The project is expected to provide an alternative route for traffic around Rawalpindi and improve connectivity between key road networks.
Authorities are also working to complete the tolling system before the opening. The tolling arrangement has been transferred to the Punjab Ring Road Authority (PRRA) under an agreement involving One Network, with the authority responsible for the system’s operation and maintenance.
However, the broad-based interchange planned at Thalian will be completed at a later stage. For now, the Ring Road connects with the motorway route at Thalian without the planned interchange.
The Punjab Development Working Party (PDWP) has approved the project’s third revised PC-I, bringing its estimated cost to Rs50.4 billion. The revised project cost also includes the construction of the Thalian interchange.
The inauguration will mark an important step in the development of Rawalpindi’s road infrastructure. Once operational, the Ring Road is expected to help improve regional connectivity and provide motorists with another route for travelling around the city. The opening date remains subject to the official inauguration arrangements.
