Phase 1 of the Rawalpindi Ring Road, a flagship project now valued at PKR 50 billion, has missed its original completion deadline, with the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) now aiming to finish the work by March 2026. The scheme was earlier scheduled to be completed by December 2025 on the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. According to RDA sources, roughly 75 per cent of the physical work has been completed so far.
The first phase of the project stretches 38.6 kilometres from Banth Mor on GT Road to the Thalian Interchange on the M-2 Motorway. Officials attribute the delay to construction hurdles and pending land acquisition needed to upgrade Thalian into a broad-based interchange capable of handling future expansions and higher traffic volumes.
In parallel, the feasibility study and PC-I for Phase 2 of the Ring Road are also expected to be ready by March 2026. This phase will link the Thalian Interchange on M-2 to GT Road (M-5). The feasibility, being prepared by NESPAK at an estimated cost of PKR 52 million, will guide the preparation of the PC-I and detailed design for the next stage of development.
The cost of Phase 1 has climbed from an initial estimate of PKR 33 billion to PKR 50 billion, reflecting changes in project scope and updated development needs. RDA officials warn that while the main works of Phase 1 are targeted for completion by March 2026, finalisation of the expanded Thalian interchange could extend beyond that date.
Despite the delays and cost escalation, the Rawalpindi Ring Road continues to be regarded as a critical infrastructure project aimed at easing chronic traffic congestion, improving regional connectivity, and facilitating planned urban expansion in Rawalpindi and its neighbouring areas.
