Rawalpindi Ring Road nears completion, with over 75% of construction already done

Work on the Rawalpindi Ring Road which is one of Punjab’s most significant infrastructure projects — is moving ahead rapidly under the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, with officials confirming that nearly 75% of the project has been completed. 

As per the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), progress continues despite temporary disruptions caused by heavy rains and flood-like conditions earlier this year.

“Had there been no interruptions, the completion rate would have easily surpassed 85 percent,” said RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza, praising the pace and quality of work by the Frontier Works Organization (FWO). 

A detailed review meeting held at RDA headquarters saw FWO Project Manager Lt Col Fazal Khan brief officials on the current status of the project. Murtaza has praised all the remarkable efforts and dedication of the team, noting that the project is being executed professionally and transparently, with no irregularities or cost overruns reported so far. 

Major Progress and Future Benefits 

Once completed, the 38.3-kilometer-long Ring Road is anticipated to change traffic flow in the twin cities and surrounding regions. It will create a direct link between the motorway and the Grand Trunk (GT) Road, significantly cutting travel time between KPK and Punjab.

Commuters heading to Islamabad International Airport are going to save up to 35 minutes of travel time once the route is fully operational. 

Besides this, the project’s Phase-II feasibility study is already underway and expected to launch soon. The RDA also plans to develop an industrial zone along the Ring Road to attract investment and create new job opportunities. 

Cost Revisions and Construction Updates 

A Project Management Unit (PMU) official has unveiled that the price of project has massively increased from Rs 33 billion to Rs 45 billion, primarily due to the remodeling of the Thalian Interchange, construction of new toll plazas, and a 30–40% increase in construction material costs over the past year. 

As per the Deputy Project Director Ashfaq Sulehri, the revised PC-I has been finalized in collaboration with Nespak and will be submitted to Lahore for approval in the coming week.

With work now underway on interchanges, bridges, and asphalt layers, authorities are confident that the long-awaited project will soon become a reality, easing congestion and boosting economic growth in Rawalpindi and beyond.