The Rawalpindi Development Authority has approached the Punjab government for approval of a major road infrastructure project aimed at improving access to the Rawalpindi Ring Road. The proposed scheme involves construction of an eleven kilometre dual carriageway linking the Chak Beli Khan interchange with the Grand Trunk Road at an estimated cost of Rs2.123 billion.

A senior RDA official said the project has been formally prepared and will be launched immediately after receiving provincial approval. The proposed link road will facilitate smooth entry and exit for commuters using the Ring Road and provide a direct and efficient route to GT Road reducing pressure on inner city roads.

Officials emphasised that the full benefit of the Rawalpindi Ring Road can only be realised through the development of proper link roads. The 38.3 kilometre Ring Road includes five interchanges located at Baanth Chak Beli Khan Adiala Road Chakri Road and Thalian. Construction work on all interchanges is progressing and nearing completion.

The official added that development of Adiala Road and Girja Road has already been approved and the Communication and Works Department is expected to start work shortly. The Chak Beli Khan Road development scheme has been prepared by RDA and will be taken up with the Punjab Planning and Development Department for final clearance.

Regarding overall progress of the Ring Road project the official said around 76 per cent of construction work has been completed. However approval of the revised PC One reflecting escalated construction costs is still pending with the provincial Planning and Development Department and is expected to be considered next month.

The Rawalpindi Ring Road is designed to divert heavy freight traffic away from the urban centre which currently uses the N Five causing severe congestion. The project stretches from Baanth on GT Road to the Thalian interchange on Motorway M Two. Once completed it will reduce travel time improve access to New Islamabad International Airport support commercial development and strengthen regional connectivity including links with the China Pakistan Economic Corridor.