The Rawalpindi Ring Road project, a transformative initiative for the region’s infrastructure, has reached 37% completion. Officials remain optimistic about meeting the revised deadline of September 2025, despite facing significant delays and budget revisions.
Key Project Highlights
- Initial Approval: Sanctioned by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in December 2021 with an estimated cost of PKR 23.606 billion.
- Current Budget: Adjusted to PKR 39 billion, reflecting inflation and surging material costs.
- Scope: The 38.8-kilometer road spans from Banth Mor on GT Road to the Thalian Interchange on the motorway.
- Completion Status: Earthwork is fully completed, and remaining construction is on track.
Overcoming Challenges
The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has faced hurdles, including budgetary constraints and project delays. The revised Project Concept-1 (PC-I) of PKR 39 billion is currently under review by the Punjab Planning and Development Wing (PDWP) and the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) before final approval by ECNEC.
Efforts to contain costs include optimizing overheads and reassessing project timelines. Originally slated for a 36-month completion, the schedule has been extended to 46 months to ensure quality and address inflation-driven challenges.
The Role of the Frontier Works Organization (FWO)
Initially awarded to the Frontier Works Organization for PKR 26 billion, the project has undergone several revisions. The most recent adjustment in May 2024, which raised costs to PKR 32.9 billion, was later updated again to accommodate additional inflationary pressures.
Economic and Social Impact
Once completed, the Rawalpindi Ring Road will:
- Enhance Connectivity: Streamline traffic flow by connecting key points like GT Road and the motorway.
- Reduce Congestion: Significantly alleviate the burden on existing road networks in Rawalpindi.
- Boost Economic Activity: Facilitate trade and mobility, fostering economic growth in the region.
Moving Forward
The RDA has directed contractors to expedite construction to ensure timely delivery. With over three decades of anticipation, the Ring Road project is finally nearing realization, promising to reshape Rawalpindi’s infrastructure landscape.
