RAWALPINDI: Two of Rawalpindi’s flagship infrastructure schemes have come under scrutiny after massive cost escalations pushed their combined price tag sharply higher, even as authorities move toward opening both projects in the coming weeks.
The Rawalpindi Ring Road, launched in 2022 at an estimated Rs27 billion, has now surged to Rs53 billion, while the Kachehri Combined Flyover and Underpass has jumped from Rs6.5 billion to Rs19 billion. Officials warn further delays beyond May could trigger another major increase in costs.
Despite the overruns, both projects are said to be in their final stages, with partial openings planned before full completion. Authorities attribute the soaring costs to inflation in construction materials, repeated deadline extensions and execution challenges over the project cycle.
The Ring Road, stretching from Banth to Thalian, is expected to transform regional traffic flow through a six lane signal free corridor with multiple interchanges. Officials say the route will handle thousands of vehicles daily and serve as a critical transport link, with a second phase planned under future funding.
Meanwhile, the Kachehri Flyover and Underpass project has reached 85 percent completion, with finishing work including signalling, landscaping and a major pedestrian bridge now underway. Once opened, the project is expected to ease one of Rawalpindi’s most congested traffic corridors.
Commissioner Aamir Khattak said delays caused by weather, workload and holidays have slowed timelines but insisted both projects will open before mid June. As completion nears, the focus has shifted from delays and ballooning costs to whether the mega schemes can deliver the long promised traffic relief.
