The long-delayed Rawalpindi Ring Road project has missed its sixth deadline for completion and becoming operational, even though construction of its 38.6-kilometer route has been completed, apart from the installation of toll booths.
The route runs from GT Road’s Banth Interchange to the Thallian Interchange, connecting the Ring Road with the motorway. Four of its five interchanges, Banth, Chak Beli Khan, Adiala and Chakri, have been completed, while work on the Thallian Interchange is still underway under a new broad-based design.
The toll booths are also at the final stage of installation. Authorities have yet to decide whether to inaugurate the Ring Road before the booths are installed or wait until the work is finished.
The Punjab Ring Road Authority (PRRA) has started taking control of the project in phases ahead of its eventual opening. The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), which is executing the project, and the Project Management Unit (PMU) are handing over sections of the road to the PRRA.
The authorities are now awaiting a date from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for the inauguration. The road will be opened to traffic after the inauguration.
The project’s total cost has risen to Rs. 46.64 billion, including an additional Rs. 3.5 billion in escalation charges caused by inflation, higher construction material prices and prevailing market rates after the project exceeded its scheduled completion period.
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