ECNEC okays Ring Road's revised PC-1
The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has directed contractors to expedite work, aiming for the project's completion by December this year, as per the deadline set by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
The 38-kilometre Rawalpindi Ring Road project, which starts near Banth Mor on GT Road in Rawat and ends at the Thalian Interchange on the Motorway, had initially seen its PC-1 cost rise from Rs26 billion to Rs39 billion and is now revised to Rs33 billion.
This revised PC-1, previously approved by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP), received final approval from ECNEC at its latest meeting, though the official meeting minutes are still pending.
The project is being worked on under the Project Management Unit (PMU) established by the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA).
Following the approval of the revised PC-1, the contractor, Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), has been directed to complete the remaining 50 per cent of the work by the stipulated deadline.
Out of Rs6 billion in pending dues, Rs3 billion has already been paid, with the remaining amount set to be disbursed shortly.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz issued these directives during a site visit, aiming for the remaining work to be completed by December 2025.
The project will feature five interchanges at Banth, Chak Beli Khan, Adiala Road, Chakri Road, and Thalian, along with a railway bridge, five overpasses and 21 subways.
A proposal to establish an economic zone along the Ring Road has yet to receive approval.
However, the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), and twin cities' trade organisations continue to advocate for the creation of economic zones on both sides of the Ring Road.
They believe such zones could serve as a game changer for economic development in the Rawalpindi Division.
The Rawalpindi Ring Road project is seen as a crucial missing link in the city's road infrastructure.
It is expected to alleviate traffic congestion on other roads in the twin cities due to growing traffic on GT Road.
The alternative route provided by the Ring Road will not only reduce traffic accidents but also ensure smooth traffic flow while helping manage environmental pollution.
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