By The Rawalpindi Ring Road project, one of Punjab’s most significant urban infrastructure developments, has crossed 80 percent completion, marking a major milestone toward easing traffic congestion and improving regional connectivity. Authorities confirm that key structural components, including multiple bridges and a 22-kilometre stretch of asphalt, have already been completed.
Spanning 38 kilometres from Baanth to Thalian, the road is designed to divert heavy and through traffic away from Rawalpindi’s congested urban arteries. A major highlight of the project is the new Thalian Interchange, which will directly connect the Ring Road to the Motorway, enabling smoother traffic flow and preventing bottlenecks at entry and exit points.
The project is now expected to be completed by the end of April, subject to the approval of the revised PC-I by the Punjab Planning and Development Board. The updated PC-I revises the project cost to Rs. 53 billion, reflecting additional infrastructure requirements and rising construction expenses.
According to officials, the revised cost includes the construction of the Thalian Interchange, comprehensive flood mitigation measures, and adjustments for increased prices of construction materials. Once the PC-I receives final approval, the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) will immediately commence work on the interchange to ensure timely completion.
In parallel with construction, authorities have already begun installing state-of-the-art road signboards, planting six- to eight-foot trees along the corridor, and completing procurement for modern street lighting. These measures are aimed at enhancing road safety, improving visibility, and creating a greener, more sustainable transport route.
Officials estimate that the Ring Road will facilitate smoother movement for more than 18,000 vehicles entering the Motorway daily, significantly reducing travel time and congestion within Rawalpindi. The inclusion of modern flood prevention systems is also expected to protect the roadway from seasonal disruptions and improve long-term durability.
The Planning and Development Board is currently reviewing detailed clarifications submitted by the Project Management Unit (PMU) and the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), addressing earlier objections related to cost escalation.
Once operational, the Rawalpindi Ring Road is expected to transform traffic management in the region, enhance connectivity between major highways, and support long-term urban growth, making it a critical infrastructure milestone for Punjab.
