A new plan to introduce a toll system similar to the Lahore Ring Road
RAWALPINDI: Rawalpindi Ring Road project cost estimate around Rs47 billion is expected to be completed and will open for transport in the first week of July after the finishing of asphalt work on the 38-kilometer route.
Officials said construction has almost finished, and they will soon inform the Punjab government about full completion, after that authorities will announce an official inauguration date.
Deputy Project Director Ashfaq Sulheri said the project is moving on schedule. He added that asphalt work is complete, while remaining tasks include minor drainage work, lane marking, fencing, and installation of signboards. He also said landscaping work is underway, including planting grass on embankment slopes to improve the road appearance and safety.
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In addition, authorities are installing lamp posts and lighting systems, which are expected to be fully completed within a month. Sulheri said these final steps will ensure the road is ready for public use and meets safety standards.
Moreover, work on the Thalian interchange will begin after the ring road opens. Officials expect the interchange to take around three months to complete. The plan includes four lanes and expansion of a bridge leading towards Islamabad International Airport to improve traffic flow.
The Ring Road is designed to handle more than 30,000 vehicles daily with a speed limit of 120 kilometers per hour. Officials also plan to introduce a toll system similar to the Lahore Ring Road. They believe the project will reduce traffic pressure on Rawalpindi and Islamabad roads.
Furthermore, traffic reports suggest that 25 to 30% of general traffic and up to 70% of goods transport will shift to this route. The road stretches 38.3 kilometers from Baanth on the GT Road to Thalian near the motorway and includes five interchanges.
The Rawalpindi Development Authority is leading the project, while the Frontier Works Organization is handling construction. The project was redesigned after earlier concerns, reducing its length from 68 kilometers to 38.3 kilometers before work resumed under the current government.
