| Rawalpindi: The much-anticipated Rawalpindi Ring Road project has achieved 37% completion, with officials confident of meeting the revised September 2025 deadline despite multiple delays and cost revisions.
Initially approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in December 2021 at a cost of PKR 23.606 billion, the project has faced significant cost escalations due to inflation and rising material prices. The latest estimate pegs the total cost at PKR 39 billion.
According to the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), earthwork for the 38.8-kilometer road is 100% complete. The project spans from Banth Mor on GT Road to the Thalian Interchange on the motorway and aims to reduce traffic congestion while boosting economic activity in the region.
Officials stated that the revised Project Concept-1 (PC-I) for PKR 39 billion, including adjustments for price escalations, has been submitted for final approval. The Punjab Planning and Development Wing (PDWP) and the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) are expected to review the proposal before forwarding it to ECNEC.
RDA highlighted that the project’s completion timeline has been extended from its original 36-month period to 46 months, reflecting the challenges posed by inflation and the need for quality assurance. Measures have been taken to keep the total cost stable by adjusting other overhead charges.
Initially awarded to the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) for PKR 26 billion, the project has been revised multiple times to address rising costs. In May 2024, a revised PC-I of PKR 32.9 billion was submitted but later updated to reflect inflationary pressures.
Despite being in the pipeline for over three decades, the Ring Road project is gaining momentum. The RDA has instructed contractors to expedite the remaining 63% of the construction, ensuring timely delivery by September 2025.
The project is expected to significantly improve connectivity and alleviate traffic congestion in Rawalpindi, marking a critical milestone in the city’s infrastructure development. |
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