Rawalpindi Ring Road Nears Completion as 90% Work Finished, Opening Expected by June 15

RAWALPINDI: The long-awaited Rawalpindi Ring Road project has entered its final stage of completion, with officials confirming that more than 90 percent of construction work has been completed and the route is expected to become operational by June 15. The mega infrastructure project is being hailed as a game-changer for the traffic network of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, promising smoother travel, reduced congestion, and improved connectivity across the region.

The 38.6-kilometre-long controlled-access highway has been fully carpeted, while construction of the major interchanges at Baanth, Chak Beli Khan, Adiala, and Chakri has been completed. According to officials of the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), only minor sewerage work, road markings, landscaping, and finishing touches remain before the road is opened to traffic.

Sources said the Ring Road will initially be opened through the GT Road Baanth Interchange, allowing vehicles to begin using the route immediately after inauguration. Authorities have also confirmed that motorway access will be available despite the Thalian Interchange still being under construction as part of the project's second phase. Once completed, the Thalian Interchange will provide direct connectivity to the M-2 Motorway, further strengthening transportation links between the twin cities and surrounding districts.

The project carries a total estimated cost of Rs46.64 billion, including land acquisition expenses for Phase II. Earlier delays were attributed to land acquisition issues, design revisions, and additional infrastructure requirements, but officials now say the project is on track for completion within the revised timeline.

Being executed by the Rawalpindi Development Authority in collaboration with the Frontier Works Organization (FWO), the Ring Road is one of Punjab's largest ongoing infrastructure projects. The six-lane highway will connect Baanth on GT Road to Thalian near the M-2 Motorway and is expected to divert thousands of heavy vehicles away from the city's congested urban roads.

Officials believe the project will significantly reduce traffic pressure on major arteries including GT Road, Murree Road, Airport Road, and Islamabad Expressway. It is also expected to shorten travel times for commuters and improve access to industrial zones, residential areas, and the New Islamabad International Airport.

Beyond easing traffic congestion, the Ring Road is expected to stimulate economic activity along its corridor. Urban planners anticipate new industrial estates, logistics hubs, commercial centers, and housing developments to emerge around the route, creating investment opportunities and supporting long-term regional growth.

The formal inauguration date is expected to be announced after approval from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Once operational, the Rawalpindi Ring Road will mark a major milestone in the modernization of the twin cities' transportation infrastructure and provide much-needed relief to millions of commuters who face daily traffic challenges.