The estimated cost of the Rawalpindi Ring Road project has climbed to Rs50.4 billion after Punjab authorities approved its third revised plan. The latest approval includes the construction cost of the Thalian broad-based interchange, while work continues on the remaining supporting infrastructure.
The Punjab Development Working Party (PDWP) approved the revised project document, known as the third revised PC-I, during a meeting in Lahore on October 12. Meanwhile, the administration has formally requested Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to provide a date for the project’s inauguration.
Rawalpindi Ring Road Construction and Interchanges Completed
The project covers a 38.3-kilometre route featuring four interchanges at GT Road Banth, Chakbeli Khan, Adiala and Chakri. Construction of the main route under Group-I has been completed, marking a significant milestone for a project that remained pending for around 15 years.
However, some supporting work remains unfinished. Under Group-II, the authorities are still developing the tolling booth system, way stations and Intelligent Transport System (ITS).
Land acquisition for the Thalian broad-based interchange under Group-III has also been completed. The revised PC-I now incorporates the interchange’s construction cost into the overall project estimate.
How the Ring Road Project Cost Increased
The project’s estimated cost has risen substantially since its original approval. Initially, authorities valued the Rawalpindi Ring Road at Rs26.9 billion.
Subsequent revisions increased the estimate in stages, with the first revised PC-I raising it to Rs32.9 billion. The second revision then pushed the cost to Rs46.4 billion.
Now, the third revised PC-I has received approval at Rs50.4 billion. This represents an increase of Rs23.5 billion compared with the original estimate.
The latest approval reflects the updated project cost, including the Thalian interchange. However, the revised estimate alone does not establish when all remaining work will finish.
Punjab Ring Road Authority Takes Over Tolling System
The tolling system under Group-II has been transferred from One Network Company to the Punjab Ring Road Authority (PRRA). The authority will now oversee its operation and maintenance.
Although workers have completed the civil structure of the tolling booths, other facilities remain under development. Work on the way stations and Intelligent Transport System continues as authorities prepare the infrastructure.
The administration has also approached Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for an inauguration date. However, officials have not provided a confirmed date in the available details.
With the main 38.3-kilometre route and four interchanges completed, attention now centres on the remaining operational facilities. The project’s inauguration will depend on the next steps announced by the relevant authorities.
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