The Rawalpindi Ring Road project took a major step forward as the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) signed an MoU with Mott MacDonald Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd (MMP), a leading consultancy firm, to prepare a comprehensive Land Use Plan and Corridor Development Strategy.
The plan envisions a 500-metre-wide development strip along the 38-km stretch of the Ring Road, making it Pakistan’s first corridor-based urban development model. According to officials, the strategy is designed to address Rawalpindi’s traffic congestion while promoting residential, commercial, and institutional growth.
A Vision for a Modern, Sustainable City
RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza stated that the initiative would fundamentally reshape the city’s urban landscape.
“This project aims to provide world-class facilities, reduce urban sprawl, and make the city more livable and sustainable for future generations,” she explained.
By integrating modern planning principles, the Ring Road development will not only decongest the twin cities but also promote a more sustainable and environmentally conscious model of growth.
Economic Zones Along the Ring Road
In a separate meeting, RDA outlined plans for dedicated economic zones along the corridor. These will include:
- Logistics hubs and industrial areas to boost trade and exports
- A dry port for improved cargo handling
- Health and education centres for community development
- Wholesale markets and transport terminals to improve connectivity
- Amusement parks to enhance recreational opportunities
DG Kinza Murtaza highlighted that the project would create jobs, attract investment, and provide improved facilities for residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Expert Opinions and Recommendations
Professor Shahid Mahmud, Senior Advisor at OIC Comstech, hailed the Ring Road project as a long-awaited step for the region. He emphasized that the economic zones would accelerate southwestern growth of Rawalpindi and promote modern urban planning practices.
He further recommended adopting a Green Building Code and pursuing urban regeneration to tackle encroachments. Dr. Mahmud also encouraged the private sector to actively participate, stressing that the project could serve as a catalyst for regional development.
Towards Pakistan’s First Corridor-Based Urban Model
With its focus on sustainability, economic opportunity, and modern facilities, the Rawalpindi Ring Road Corridor Development Plan is being seen as a game-changing urban project. It not only promises to ease traffic congestion but also aims to transform Rawalpindi into a hub of economic growth and livability, setting a benchmark for future infrastructure projects in Pakistan.
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