The Punjab government has released an additional Rs 9 billion to accelerate the construction of the Rawalpindi Ring Road (R3), ensuring its completion by December 2025. This financial boost aims to keep the project on track and prevent further delays.
Despite the release of additional funds, the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) the project’s s implementing contractor has yet to receive Rs 4 billion for completed work. This delay is linked to the postponed meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec), which is responsible for ratifying the revised Project Concept-I (PC-I).
A senior district administration official confirmed that Rs 12 billion had already been spent on the project, with payments made to the contractor. Once Ecnec grants the final ratification, the Project Management Unit (PMU) will be able to release the pending amount to FWO. The remaining Rs 5 billion from the newly released funds will be allocated to complete the road segment from Banth to Thallian by June 2025. The remaining budget required to complete the Rs 38 billion project will be released in the next fiscal year.
Deputy Project Director Ashfaq Sulheri stated that Rs 130 million had been paid to Pakistan Railways for constructing a railway bridge over the Rawalpindi Ring Road. He reaffirmed the commitment to meeting the December deadline, highlighting that over 45% of the construction had been completed. The pace of work is expected to increase further, with the blacktopping of the road set to begin within the next three to four months.
Commissioner Amir Khattak reviewed the project’sprogress and emphasized that the Ring Road is a top priority for the government. He assured that all necessary funds had been allocated, eliminating any financial barriers. To ensure timely completion, the commissioner instructed the Deputy Project Director to provide regular updates and announced that he would personally inspect the site every three days and tour the entire route weekly.
During a project briefing, officials confirmed that the financial progress of the Rawalpindi Ring Road stands at 45%. With the latest fund release, both financial and physical progress are expected to gain further momentum. The revised PC-I has already been cleared by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) and is now awaiting Ecneca’s final approval.
The Rawalpindi Ring Road spans 38.3 kilometers and is a Rs 38 billion mega-project featuring five interchanges at:-
The primary objective of the project is to reduce traffic congestion, promote economic growth, and enable faster transportation. Additionally, an industrial zone is planned along the Ring Road corridor, which will foster business opportunities and job creation in the region.
The six-lane, managed-access highway is designed to operate at 120 km/h, ensuring smooth and efficient traffic flow.
With clear deadlines, secured funding, and increased oversight, authorities are optimistic about delivering the Rawalpindi Ring Road project on time. Once completed, the project will play a crucial role in enhancing connectivity, reducing travel time, and boosting economic development in the region.
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