The completion of the Rawalpindi Ring Road has been pushed back, with authorities now expecting the project to be finalized between May 30 and June 30.
The delay is primarily linked to ongoing work on the Thallian Interchange, which is being upgraded into a broader and more complex facility to improve connectivity with the motorway network. Officials say the expansion has increased both the scope and overall cost of the project.
Despite the delay, progress continues on multiple fronts. The Kachehry Chowk Interchange Project has reached 88% completion and is likely to be opened for traffic by May 10. The interchange includes flyovers and underpasses aimed at easing congestion in the area.
Both projects are expected to be inaugurated by Maryam Nawaz, although authorities are considering opening them for public use before the formal inauguration ceremonies.
Work on the main ring road is also advancing steadily. Around 70% of the carpeting has been completed, while construction continues on several bridges along the route. Development is also underway on five key interchanges at Banth, Chak Beli Khan Road, Adiala Road, Chakri Road, and Thallian.
The 38.6-kilometre-long project stretches from Banth Interchange on GT Road to Thallian and carries an estimated cost of Rs. 42 billion. An additional Rs. 5 billion has been allocated specifically for the interchange upgrade.
Separately, the National Highway Authority is overseeing work to connect the ring road with Motorways M-1 and M-2, as well as a link to Sangjani. This portion of the project is still pending and is expected to add further costs.
Authorities have also outlined broader development plans along the corridor, including the use of 500 metres of land on both sides of the road for transport terminals, markets, an expo centre, an IT zone, and facilities for education, healthcare, and industry.
