Rawalpindi’s infrastructure development faced a major setback last year as the financial crisis in Punjab crippled the progress of several long-awaited projects. Despite numerous announcements, not a single mega project aimed at improving public welfare was initiated. Ten critical projects, revised with increased costs, remain in limbo, with no signs of advancement.
Over the past three years, the non-allocation of funds has turned these projects into “white elephants.” The costs of these projects have surged by 40 to 60% due to escalating prices of building materials. These include significant initiatives like the Ghazi Brotha Water Supply, Leh Express, Daducha Dam, and the Rawalpindi Ring Road, among others. Delays have left the city without crucial developments, affecting water supply, road infrastructure, and flood management.
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The Ghazi Barotha Water Supply project, once estimated at Rs17 billion in 2006, has ballooned to Rs105 billion today. This project, designed to meet Rawalpindi’s water needs for the next century, is still pending. Similarly, the Leh Express project, originally launched in 2008 with an estimated cost of Rs17 billion, now stands at Rs100 billion. Other delayed initiatives like the sewage treatment plant, once set at Rs30 billion in 2019, have also doubled in cost.
Rawalpindi’s Ring Road (RRR) project, another essential venture, remains incomplete despite multiple announcements. The costs of this 38km long, signal-free road have increased by around 40%, while the project’s new estimated budget is stuck between the Punjab government and the federation.
The ongoing financial strain has severely hindered the progress of Rawalpindi’s infrastructure, leaving its future uncertain. Without urgent funding and action, these essential projects will continue to face delays, with costs spiraling even higher.
