Work on the Soan–Sihala–Kahuta Road dual carriageway project has progressed by only five percent in the first six months of the FY2025-26 federal budget, despite an allocation of Rs23.845 billion, highlighting persistent delays on a strategically important route.
The 28.4-kilometre Rawalpindi Soan–Kahuta Road, which provides access to Kotli and Rawalakot in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and holds defence route status, remains largely incomplete.
So far, authorities have constructed just two kilometres of dual carriageway between Kahuta Y-Cross and Hothla Stop, while work on the remaining 26.4 kilometres has yet to begin.
Construction has also stalled at Hothla Stop, and officials have not even marked the remaining road. Meanwhile, work on the overhead bridge at the Sihala railway crossing has not started, worsening traffic congestion.
The project received approval from ECNEC on July 27, 2023, but delays forced the government to reallocate funds in the current budget after work failed to begin earlier.
Residents and commuters say the slow pace has increased traffic pressure, road accidents, travel delays, and business disruptions.
Long vehicle queues frequently form when the Sihala railway crossing closes, causing hardship for travellers commuting between Rawalpindi, Kahuta, and Azad Kashmir.
Locals argue that completing the dual carriageway and constructing the overhead bridge could reduce the 40-kilometre journey between Rawalpindi and Kahuta to 30–40 minutes, ensuring smooth travel for traffic heading towards Azad Kashmir.
Responding to the delay, an NHA spokesperson said Package One of the project depends on funding from the Punjab government, and work will start immediately after funds are released.
The spokesperson added that Package Two, which falls under the NHA’s responsibility, is currently underway and expected to pick up pace before the end of the fiscal year.
So far, only Rs800 million has been released during the current financial year, leaving major components of the project stalled.