Rawalpindi Ring Road Project Cost Increases Massively

The Rawalpindi Ring Road project has seen a major cost revision after 72 percent of the work was reportedly completed, according to officials. The Project Management Unit (PMU), in consultation with Nespak, has prepared a revised PC-I, raising the project’s estimated cost from Rs. 33 billion to Rs. 45 billion.

Officials explained that the increase is due to three factors: the addition of an interchange at Thalian to connect the Ring Road with the Lahore-Islamabad Motorway, the construction of multiple toll plazas, and a sharp rise in construction material prices.

The revised PC-I will now be forwarded to the Punjab government through the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) for final approval. Deputy Project Director Ashfaq Sulheri confirmed the revision, noting that design changes made it necessary.

“Earlier, the Motorway interchange and toll plazas were not included. Road sizes at interchanges have also been increased, and the contractor has requested a price escalation due to rising costs,” he said.

Despite earlier delays during the monsoon, work has resumed in three shifts. The Soan Bridge has been completed, asphalt work is underway, and progress continues on the railway bridge and interchanges.

Once completed, the 38.3-kilometer Ring Road will feature five interchanges, an industrial zone, and a six-lane controlled-access design with a speed limit of 120 km/h.