The much-awaited Ring Road project in Rawalpindi is expected to open for traffic in July. The mega road project is nearing completion after months of construction work.
The Rs. 47 billion project is one of the biggest infrastructure developments in Punjab. Authorities are now adding the final touches before the official launch.
Project officials said the remaining work includes landscaping, lane markings, fencing, drainage, signboards, and road lights. These tasks are expected to finish soon before the project is handed over to the Government of Punjab.
The new Ring Road will stretch 38.3 kilometers. It will connect Baanth on G.T. Road to Thalian near the motorway. Officials believe the road will improve travel and reduce traffic pressure in the twin cities.
The highway will have a speed limit of 120 kilometers per hour. More than 30,000 vehicles are expected to use it daily. A toll system, similar to the Lahore Ring Road, will also be introduced.
The Ring Road includes five major interchanges. These are located at Baanth, Maira Mohra, Khasala, Kolian Parr, and Thalian. These interchanges will improve connectivity for nearby areas.
Officials estimate the road will shift 25 to 30 percent of general traffic from current routes. It is also expected to divert nearly 70 percent of goods transport. This could greatly reduce traffic congestion in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
The project is also expected to support economic growth. Authorities have planned an industrial zone along the corridor. This could create new business opportunities in the area.
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Work on the Thalian interchange will begin after the main road is completed. Officials say the project will improve transport and strengthen the region’s road network.
