RAWALPINDI: The divisional commissioner has ordered an immediate survey of houses falling within the alignment of the proposed Thaliaan Interchange, a key component of the Rawalpindi Ring Road project. Authorities have also directed the District Price Assessment Committee to determine compensation rates for land and residential structures likely to be affected.
Rawalpindi Ring Road Deputy Project Director Ashfaq Sulheri confirmed that Commissioner Abdul Aamer Khattak has instructed officials to expedite the price assessment process to avoid delays in construction. Initially, eight to ten houses are expected to be impacted by the interchange development, and a detailed survey is being conducted by the land director of the Rawalpindi Development Authority.
With the addition of the Thaliaan Interchange, the total cost of the Ring Road project has increased to Rs47 billion. Construction work on the interchange is scheduled to commence in the coming week as authorities push forward to complete the mega infrastructure scheme within the projected timeline.
A senior divisional administration official revealed that 358 kanals of additional land have been acquired for the interchange. Previously, 557 kanals had been allocated, but revisions in the design required further land acquisition. A high level meeting is expected within days to resolve matters concerning houses coming under the project footprint.
Officials described the Thaliaan Interchange as a critical traffic management solution, as the Ring Road will merge with the motorway at this junction. More than 18000 vehicles are projected to enter the motorway daily from this point, making it a strategic node for easing congestion in Rawalpindi.
The 38.3 kilometre long Rawalpindi Ring Road will feature interchanges at Baanth, Chak Baili Khan, Adiala Road, Chakri Road and Thaliaan. Designed as a six lane controlled access corridor with a speed limit of 120 kilometres per hour, the project is over 85 percent complete, with Baanth Interchange nearing final stages.
