Rawalpindi Ring Road, Kachehri project costs rise sharply amid delays

RAWALPINDI: Two major development schemes in Rawalpindi — the Rawalpindi Ring Road and the Kachehri Combined Flyover and Underpass — have recorded steep increases in cost after repeated delays, according to officials during a briefing to Commissioner Aamir Khattak.

As per details, the Ring Road project was launched by former prime minister Imran Khan in April 2022 with an estimated cost of Rs27 billion. That figure later increased to Rs33 billion and has now climbed to Rs53 billion.

The District Courts flyover and underpass project has also seen a substantial jump in expenditure, with its cost rising from Rs6.5 billion to Rs19 billion.

Officials told the commissioner that if both schemes are not completed by May 31, their cost could increase by another Rs2 billion to Rs3 billion. They said both projects are in the final stages and will initially be opened partially.

During the briefing, officials said the sharp rise in construction material prices was one of the main reasons behind the increase in costs. They added that finishing work, including horticulture beneath overhead bridges, has reached 40 per cent completion. Streetlights and poles have already been installed, while decorative lighting work has also begun.

Ring Road alignment and next phase

As per the briefing, the Ring Road was originally planned at 38.6 kilometres, but it has now been reduced to under 50 kilometres and will run from Banth to Thalian. The project will include five interchanges and six lanes to provide signal-free traffic flow.

Officials said the road is expected to accommodate 18,000 vehicles daily. The Banth-to-Thalian section is likely to be inaugurated in the first week of June.

A second phase from Thalian to the motorway is also planned. Feasibility work and preparation of the PC-1 are already under way. Officials said Phase II, stretching from Thalian to Sangjani motorway, will begin in the next fiscal year subject to the availability of funds and will be part of CPEC.

Kachehri project nears completion

The Kachehri Combined Flyover and Underpass project, described during the briefing as the longest in Rawalpindi, is 85 per cent complete. Work is continuing on painting, signalling, landscaping and road patching.

A modern European-style pedestrian bridge, which officials said will be the largest in the city, is also being built as part of the scheme and has reached 74 per cent completion.

Commissioner Khattak said the delays were caused by extensive workload, Eid holidays, rains and other factors. He said both projects would be opened for public use before June 15, adding that they would significantly help reduce traffic congestion in the city. He also assured that both projects would be opened to the public before June 15.