Punjab Launches Inquiry Into Alleged Rawalpindi Ring Road Design Changes

The Punjab government has launched an inquiry into alleged changes to the approved design of the Rawalpindi Ring Road (RRR) project and the granting of access to privately owned commercial service areas along the controlled access highway.

According to official sources, Additional Chief Secretary Punjab Ahmad Raza Sarwar has been assigned to conduct a preliminary inquiry to determine whether there is evidence of corruption, procedural violations, or administrative irregularities. If sufficient evidence is found, the case may be referred to the Anti Corruption Establishment (ACE) for a full investigation.

As part of the inquiry, the Additional Chief Secretary reviewed project records at the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), including no objection certificates (NOCs), approved layouts, access roads, and planning approvals.

The investigation follows legal proceedings in the Lahore High Court, where the RDA challenged the validity of an alleged NOC issued on January 28, 2026. The authority said no record of the NOC could be found in its official files.

The RDA maintains that the Rawalpindi Ring Road is an ECNEC approved controlled access highway and that any new entry or exit point requires prior approval from the competent authorities.

It argues that allowing additional access would alter the project’s approved design, traffic management plan, and engineering framework, while insisting it has no authority to make such changes on its own.

Via: Express Tribune