RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Ring Road has been completed but its opening to traffic is linked to the construction of toll plazas and other minor works.
A senior official of the divisional administration told Dawn that the 38km road from Baanth to Thalian was ready but allied works such as toll plazas were yet to be constructed. The system to collect tolls will be installed afterwards.
He said the provincial government was also planning to start work on the Thalian interchange worth Rs5 billion after the opening of the main road but the revised PC-I was not finalised yet. He said works on retaining walls, ramps and greenbelts were yet to be completed. He said the foundation of toll plazas had been completed and the Punjab Ring Road Authority would construct its outlets and install computerised network for ticketing soon.
He said the Authority would be responsible for collecting fees from public transport, goods and private vehicles. “The same fee as being charged in Lahore will likely be implemented,” he said.
Commissioner reviews project and directs utilisation of maximum resources to complete remaining works
On the other hand, Commissioner Salman Ghani visited Ring Road project site to review progress on Friday.
He directed that maximum resources be mobilised to ensure the completion of all remaining works on a priority basis.
He said civil works on the toll plazas and weighing stations should be initiated immediately, adding timely procurement of hardware and software required for toll operations be ensured.
The commissioner also directed that road signage along the Ring Road be improved to provide motorists with clear guidance regarding routes, interchanges and other essential information, thereby ensuring safer and more convenient travel.
He directed that a detailed work plan for the Thalian interchange be submitted immediately and that preparations for commencing work on the interchange be expedited. He said timely completion of the interchange would help improve traffic flow; therefore, all related matters should be completed on a priority basis.
He also directed continuous monitoring of the project, strict adherence to construction quality standards, and completion of all related works within the stipulated timelines.
He said Ring Road was not merely a road project but a comprehensive initiative aimed at shaping Rawalpindi’s future urban and economic development. He said the economic zones planned along the Ring Road would create employment opportunities, promote business activities and contribute to industrial and commercial growth in the region.
The Ring Road will have five interchanges at Baanth, Maira Mohra, Khasala, Kolian Parr and Thalian. An industrial zone will be established around the road. Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) is the executing agency and Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) is the contractor of the project.
Published in Dawn, October 3rd, 2026
