The Punjab government has updated PC-I of the Rawalpindi Ring Road project, under which the assessed cost of the project has risen to Rs 39 billion. The much-anticipated Ring Road project has seen 37 percent of its construction completed and the project would speed up after the approval of the revised PC-I. The revised PC-I will be introduced to the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) in its next meeting.
The provincial government has, up to this point this year, released Rs 1 billion for the task, as in July it had delivered Rs 400 million, and this month it further delivered Rs 600 million for the construction of the R3 project. The estimated cost has been revised upward to Rs 39 billion from Rs 32 billion.
“As we are waiting for the new timetable of CDWP, where they will present the updated PC-I for approval,” said a senior authority of Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA).
He expressed that after getting approval from CDWP, the revised PC-I will be introduced in the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) meeting for conclusive endorsement, and afterward further funds will be delivered.
Read more: Rs 4 billion released for Rawalpindi Ring Road project by Punjab government
Construction of the Ring Road has arrived at a significant milestone with the launch of supports on the flyovers. Work on the main rail line extension will start soon, with Nespak and Pakistan Rail routes finalizing the plan. The project, covering 38.3 km, will have five interchanges at Baanth, Chak Baili Khan, Adiala Street, Chakri Street, and Thalian. However, progress on the project has been slow, with only 37% of the work completed so far.
The road will also include an industrial zone and will be worked for a design speed of 120 km/h with six lanes. The Ring Road project is meant to ease traffic congestion and further develop connectivity in Rawalpindi, supporting regional economic growth.
RDA Chief General Kinza Murtaza stated that the task should fulfill time constraints while maintaining high quality. She underlined that once completed, the Ring Road will essentially upgrade the network, benefiting the area’s development and advancement.