The Rawalpindi Ring Road project is awaiting final approval after the Punjab Planning and Development Board reviewed its revised PC-I, which raises the total project cost to Rs. 53 billion. The revision reflects increases in construction material prices, upgraded road infrastructure, and additional flood-protection measures.
The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) awarded the project contract to the Frontier Works Organisation based on 2022 rates. Since then, construction material prices have surged by about 40%, prompting the revised cost. The pre-Punjab Development Working Party (PDWP) meeting last week highlighted several observations, including expanded bridge widths, stone pitching for flood prevention, and remodeled Thalian Interchange with toll plazas.
RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza confirmed that the Planning Board team would conduct a site inspection, a standard procedure for projects exceeding 70% completion. She assured that ongoing construction is on a fast track and expected to finish within the approved timeline, with flood channels and interchange remodeling designed to improve traffic flow during monsoon seasons.
The revised PC-I is being resubmitted to address observations raised in the pre-PDWP meeting. Officials expect the final decision to be made shortly after the inspection.
