The Rawalpindi Development Authority has announced significant progress on the much anticipated Ring Road project, stating that 78 percent of the work has already been completed and the project is expected to be finished by April this year. RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza shared this update during a press briefing at the Rawalpindi Press Club, marking the beginning of the New Year with a detailed overview of the authority’s achievements and challenges.
The DG revealed that the Ring Road will connect the M 2 CPEC route with Margalla Avenue through Thalian Interchange, aiming to reduce traffic congestion in the city. Plans are also underway to develop a bus and truck depot along with a vegetable and fruit market on the route. Heavy buses will not be allowed beyond T Chowk, and a national transport policy is currently being formulated to support these initiatives.
In addition to the Ring Road, Murree Road is set to be expanded by 15 feet on both sides to improve traffic flow. To curb fraud in private housing schemes, QR code verification has been introduced. The DG also acknowledged that Rawalpindi currently lacks a master plan, emphasizing the urgent need for structured urban planning for sustainable development.
Addressing governance reforms, the RDA has fully shifted to an e system for submission of residential and commercial building plans, abolishing manual procedures. Approval of building plans has also been linked to mandatory tree plantation to promote environmental sustainability. Officials involved in the RDA financial scandal will be dismissed once the inquiry is completed.
The DG highlighted the success of the green electric bus project and confirmed that a request has been sent to the Punjab Chief Minister to increase the number of buses. Meanwhile, RDA has called for a comprehensive study of Nullah Leh to address flooding and sanitation issues, seeking Rs25 billion due to high consultancy costs.
Finally, the RDA stated that its public image has improved and efforts are ongoing to resolve the University Town housing issue. NAB and FIA have been tasked with action against the owners, and the authority may take over management if the government intervenes.
