The much-anticipated Rawalpindi Ring Road (R3) project, stretching over 38 kilometres and valued at Rs. 32.996 billion, is on track for completion by the end of 2025, according to the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA).
Described as a potential “game-changer” for the region, the project aims to ease traffic congestion between Rawalpindi and Islamabad while unlocking major economic opportunities. Officials say the road will not only improve connectivity to areas like the New Islamabad International Airport but also support new commercial zones and boost regional trade, especially due to its link with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The R3 project is being developed as a six-lane, controlled-access road with a design speed of 120 km/h and a 90-metre-wide right of way. It will include five interchanges—Baanth, Maira Mohra, Khasala, Kolian Parr, and Thalian—as well as two bridges over the Soan and Sill rivers, 12 bridges over nullahs and roads, a railway bridge, and 11 overpasses.
Land acquisition for the road involved 8,992 kanals at a cost of Rs. 6.7 billion, which was not included in the main construction budget.
According to RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza, 50 percent of the construction has already been completed. She said Rs. 12 billion was released by the Punjab government in January, of which Rs. 7 billion has been spent. The remaining Rs. 5 billion will be used by June, and the rest of the funds will be allocated in the next fiscal year.
The original R3 plan under PTI proposed a 68km road, but the current phase under construction covers 38.3km from Baanth on the Grand Trunk Road to Thalian near the motorway.
“The Ring Road will help eliminate traffic bottlenecks in the twin cities and stimulate business activity around the new economic zones,” Murtaza said.
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