Rawalpindi Ring Road Nears Completion, Expected to Open for Traffic in Early July
RAWALPINDI: The long-awaited Rawalpindi Ring Road project is entering its final phase, with authorities confirming that the Rs47 billion mega infrastructure scheme is expected to be completed during the first week of July 2026. Most of the major construction work has been finished, bringing the opening of the road one step closer.
According to Deputy Project Director Ashfaq Sulheri, the asphalt paving on the 38.3-kilometre highway has been completed successfully. He said the project team will officially notify the Punjab government about the completion of construction in early July. Once the government announces an inauguration date, the Ring Road will be opened for public use.
Although the main road is ready, finishing touches are still underway. Workers are installing traffic signboards, streetlights, fencing, and lane markings, while landscaping activities are also in progress. Authorities are planting grass along the embankments to protect the slopes and improve the road’s appearance. Some drainage work is also being completed.
Mr. Sulheri added that the installation of lampposts and lighting systems is expected to be completed within the next month.
Thalian Interchange to Be Built Next
Officials have confirmed that construction of the Thalian Interchange will begin after the Ring Road is officially completed, likely sometime next month.
The interchange project is expected to take around three months and will include a four-lane interchange along with the expansion of the motorway bridge leading towards Islamabad International Airport, improving connectivity for travelers.
More Than 30,000 Vehicles Expected Daily
Authorities estimate that over 30,000 vehicles will use the Ring Road every day. The highway will have a maximum speed limit of 120 kilometres per hour, allowing faster travel around the twin cities.
A toll collection system, similar to the one operating on the Lahore Ring Road, will also be introduced after the road becomes operational.
Major Relief for Rawalpindi and Islamabad Traffic
Once opened, the Ring Road is expected to significantly reduce congestion in both Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Officials believe that around 25 to 30 percent of regular traffic and nearly 70 percent of heavy goods vehicles will shift from the existing city roads to the new route.
The project is expected to improve travel times, reduce fuel consumption, and make freight transportation more efficient.
Five Interchanges and Future Industrial Development
The 38.3-kilometre Rawalpindi Ring Road stretches from Baanth on GT Road to Thalian near the Motorway. It includes five major interchanges located at:
- Baanth
- Maira Mohra
- Khasala
- Kolian Parr
- Thalian
The Punjab government also plans to develop an industrial zone alongside the corridor, which is expected to create new business opportunities and generate employment in the region.
Project Background
The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) is supervising the project, while the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) is responsible for construction.
Originally planned as a 68-kilometre highway during the PTI government, the project was suspended following allegations of financial irregularities. After a revised plan was approved, the route was shortened to 38.3 kilometres.
Construction resumed after third-party verification under the PDM government, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formally relaunched the project by laying the foundation stone at Rawat on August 8, 2023.
Conclusion
With construction now almost complete, the Rawalpindi Ring Road is set to become one of Punjab’s most important road infrastructure projects. Once operational, it is expected to ease traffic congestion, improve transportation between Rawalpindi and Islamabad, and support future commercial and industrial growth across the region.
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Rawalpindi Ring Road near completion, set for opening in July
