Rawalpindi Ring Road Project to start in 2019

According to a news report, the Rawalpindi Development Authority has finalized the alignment of the Rawalpindi Ring Road project.The work on this project is expected to start early in 2019. A loan of $402 million has to be given by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. The loan is to be approved by December 2018.

The Punjab Government has agreed to contribute $57m to the project after approving it. The road will be 55km long. The alignment of this road will start from the Channi Sher Alam Bridge on GT Road and end at the Thalian interchange on the M-2 motorway between Rawalpindi and Lahore near the Islamabad International Airport. 4 intersections will also be constructed.

“This project is important for Rawalpindi as it will help ease the heavy traffic. Rawalpindi is the main city connecting the northern areas to the country’s main road network” said Deputy Commissioner Omer Jehangir.

The project design will be prepared by National Engineering Services of Pakistan (NESPAK) in two months and the details on tax toll will be finalized by NESPAK as well. Sharing details on the working model, the RDA officials said that a project management unit will be set up for the development work carried out during the first six months.

This Ring Road project is a much-needed project for the twin cities. Based on the assessment of the government, the AIIB will also provide institutional strengthening support to the project.