By The Rawalpindi Ring Road project, one of Punjab’s most ambitious infrastructure developments, has witnessed a dramatic surge in costs, with the revised estimate now exceeding Rs53 billion—more than three times its original budget. The Punjab Planning and Development Board is expected to formally approve an additional Rs6 billion increase during the first week of February, officials confirmed.
Originally approved in 2004 during the tenure of former Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, the 38.3-kilometre, six-lane controlled-access corridor was initially projected to cost Rs17 billion. However, after nearly two decades marked by repeated delays, the project’s cost has escalated sharply due to rising construction material prices, enhanced design standards, and an expanded project scope. Authorities indicate that the final cost could surpass Rs55 billion by the time of completion.
Construction Progress Nears Final Stage
Despite the cost overruns, construction work is now in its final phases. Officials report that around 80 percent of road carpeting has been completed, with certain sections already open to traffic. All major bridges, including the railway bridge, have been completed and are fully functional.
A key component of the project, the Thalian Interchange, is currently under construction at an estimated cost of Rs5 billion. Once completed, it will provide direct connectivity to the motorway network, significantly improving regional travel efficiency. Meanwhile, plantation, road signage, and beautification work are actively underway along both sides of the route.
Key Features and Economic Impact
The Rawalpindi Ring Road includes five major interchanges—Banth, Chak Beli Khan, Adiala Road, Chakri Road, and Thalian—along with service roads on both sides to facilitate local traffic. Authorities have acquired 8,992 kanals of private land for the project, with additional areas reserved for future industrial and commercial expansion.
Plots along the corridor have already been released for multi-storey commercial buildings and industrial zones, a move expected to stimulate economic activity and attract investment in the surrounding areas.
Inauguration Timeline and Broader Significance
The Rawalpindi Commissioner has directed relevant departments to complete carpeting, activate all bridges, and finalize beautification work by April 30, paving the way for a formal inauguration in the first week of May.
Once operational, the Ring Road is expected to ease traffic congestion in Rawalpindi, improve connectivity with Islamabad and neighboring districts, and support long-term urban expansion. However, the repeated cost escalations underscore the persistent challenges of managing large-scale infrastructure projects in Pakistan, particularly in terms of planning, execution, and financial oversight.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on official statements and available information at the time of publication. Project costs, timelines, and inauguration dates may change due to administrative or technical reasons.
