The inauguration of the Rawalpindi Ring Road has been postponed for the ninth time, with authorities deciding not to announce another fixed date for the ceremony. Instead, the formal inauguration will now take place on 24 hours’ notice.

However, officials are planning to open the road to general traffic before holding the official inauguration ceremony. This means commuters may be able to use the road once the remaining construction work is completed, even if the formal event has not taken place.

The repeated delays have also led to concerns within the project administration. Officials who previously announced inauguration dates despite incomplete construction have reportedly faced severe reprimands. Following these warnings, they have stopped commenting publicly on when the project will be inaugurated.

Remaining Construction Work

Several important parts of the project are still incomplete. Construction crews have yet to finish one interchange. Contractors also need to complete the toll plazas, toll booths, computerized toll collection system and weighing stations.

The Rawalpindi Ring Road Authority has directed contractors to complete the remaining interchange and the entire toll collection system by the end of this month. The deadline also covers the completion of toll booths.

These facilities are important for the road’s full operation. Until the remaining work is completed, the authorities will need to assess when the route can be opened for public use.

Project Cost Crosses Rs52 Billion

The repeated delays have also increased the estimated cost of the Rawalpindi Ring Road project. Its cost had previously reached Rs51.32 billion before crossing Rs52 billion again during the current week.

The project has faced a lengthy development process, with work stretching over 24 years. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan laid its foundation stone in March 2022.

Despite the passage of time and repeated announcements, the project has still not reached its formal opening stage. The latest decision suggests that authorities want to avoid announcing another inauguration date before all major construction and related facilities are ready.

For now, the focus remains on completing the outstanding work by the end of the month. Officials are expected to announce the inauguration ceremony only 24 hours before it takes place.

The decision to open the road to general traffic before the ceremony could allow commuters to start using the route without waiting for the formal event. However, the actual opening will depend on the completion of the remaining work and the authorities’ final decision.

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