The 38km route from Baanth to Thalian is ready, but toll facilities, weighing stations and other finishing work remain pending
RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Ring Road has reached the final stage before opening to traffic, but commuters may have to wait until toll plazas and other outstanding works are completed.
According to officials quoted by Dawn, the approximately 38-kilometre road connecting Baanth on G.T. Road with Thalian near the motorway is ready for use. However, construction of toll plazas and completion of several associated facilities remain necessary before the route can become operational.
The foundations for the toll plazas have been completed, while the Punjab Ring Road Authority (PRRA) is expected to build the facilities and install the computerised ticketing system. The authority will also be responsible for collecting tolls from private vehicles, public transport and goods vehicles.
Officials indicated that toll rates similar to those charged on Lahore’s Ring Road may be considered, although the final applicable charges were not confirmed in the report.
Commissioner directs officials to speed up remaining work
Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Salman Ghani visited the project site to review progress and directed the relevant departments to mobilise additional resources to complete the outstanding work as a priority.
He called for immediate progress on toll plazas and weighing stations, along with timely procurement of the hardware and software required for toll operations.
The commissioner also instructed officials to improve road signage so motorists can clearly identify routes, interchanges and other essential information. He stressed regular monitoring, construction quality and completion of the remaining work within the prescribed timelines.
Thalian Interchange planned as a separate project
The proposed Thalian Interchange, estimated to cost Rs5 billion, is expected to move forward after the main Ring Road opens. However, officials said the revised project document, known as the PC-I, had not yet been finalised.
The interchange is intended to improve connectivity with the motorway and support traffic movement around the eastern end of the Ring Road. The commissioner has directed the concerned departments to prepare a detailed work plan and accelerate the necessary preparations.
Other outstanding works include sections of retaining walls, ramps and greenbelts.
Five interchanges planned along the route
The Ring Road features five interchanges at Baanth, Maira Mohra, Khasala, Kolian Parr and Thalian. The project is being executed by the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), with the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) serving as contractor.
Once operational, the route is intended to provide an alternative for traffic travelling around Rawalpindi, particularly heavy vehicles moving between G.T. Road and the motorway. It is also expected to support planned industrial and economic activity along the corridor.
The project’s opening will depend on completion of the remaining facilities and operational arrangements, including toll collection and weighing stations. Until those works are completed, the final opening date remains unconfirmed.
InfraNews will continue to track the Ring Road’s completion, toll arrangements and opening announcement.
