The Ring Road project in Rawalpindi is facing significant delays and rising costs. Originally valued at Rs. 32.9 billion, the project is unlikely to be completed by December 2025 as planned. Costs are expected to increase by 40 to 50 percent.
One main cause of the delay is the unresolved issue of merging traffic from Thalian to the motorway. The National Highway Authority (NHA) plans to add two lanes for smoother traffic flow, but the expansion project has not yet started.
The contractor, Frontier Works Organization (FWO), has offered to build a one-kilometer merging road using its own funds. Deputy Project Director Ashfaq Sulheri confirmed the deadline will be extended. However, the government will approve only a 44 percent increase in costs, less than the 50 percent increase demanded by FWO.
The Ring Road project includes five interchanges at Baanth, Chak Beli Khan, Adiala Road, Chakri Road, and Thalian. Construction work is ongoing at these key points.
According to a senior official, more than 70 percent of the 38.3-kilometer Ring Road has been completed. However, progress has slowed in the past month due to heavy monsoon rains. Officials expect work to speed up once the rainy season ends.
The Rawalpindi Ring Road is a crucial infrastructure project designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve connectivity in the city and surrounding areas. Despite the current delays, authorities remain committed to completing the project.
Overall, the project is facing challenges but continues to move forward with the support of government and contractors. The public hopes the new timeline will bring relief to traffic problems in Rawalpindi.
In other related news also read Punjab Allocates Additional Funds for Rawalpindi Ring Road
