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The Rawalpindi Ring Road project, set to transform both Rawalpindi and Islamabad, is finally underway. With its development, nearby areas are expected to flourish. This project holds particular significance for Rawalpindi, offering a promising future. Excitement abounds as people eagerly anticipate the benefits it will bring upon completion.
However, it’s wise to fully understand such a significant project before forming opinions. While the Rawalpindi Ring Road, fondly known as R3, is a beacon of hope, gaining a thorough understanding is essential.
Are you ready to dive into the details of this project? Explore our blog for comprehensive information, including fascinating facts and figures. We’re confident this write-up will provide you with a clear understanding of the Rawalpindi Ring Road.
Tracing the Journey
The Rawalpindi Ring Road project has suffered multiple delays over the past 21 years. The 1991 Government initially proposed the project. However, due to political disruption, the project was never executed.
- In 2017, the project was again briefed to the Asian Development Bank to secure funding for the project.
- In 2018, the Punjab Government undertook a fresh Project concept (PC-1) feasibility report because the previously conducted feasibility reports were deemed old.
- At last in 2022, the former Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone of the Rawalpindi Ring Road.
- In 2023, the caretaker, CM Mohsin Naqwi, opened this project again to complete it within 2 years.
Need of Rawalpindi Ring Road
Rawalpindi and Islamabad are pivotal urban centers in Pakistan, playing a crucial role in the country’s economy. These cities witness a significant influx of vehicles, ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 daily.
Consequently, traffic congestion has emerged as a substantial concern, leading to escalating noise and air pollution levels. In response to these challenges, CM Mohsin Naqwi has mandated the construction of a ring road. This initiative aims to not only connect the two cities but also to provide an alternative route, facilitating smoother and more timely travel for the residents.
Division Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatta stated in one of his statements:
“The Rawalpindi ring road project is of utmost importance for regional development as it will be a game changer for the people living in Rawalpindi and its suburbs.”
Nearby Landmarks
The proposed 38.3km ring road will traverse over 10 villages, intersecting with crucial points like the motorway and Islamabad International Airport. This strategic route enhances connectivity, fostering economic development and accessibility for local and international travelers, making it a vital link for the region’s growth and progress. The ring road begins from N-5 Rawat and ends at Sanjani Murat. On its way, it touches following landmarks:
- M2 Motorway
- Islamabad International Airport
- China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
- M1 Motorway
Ring road passes nearby these villages:
- Tope Mankiala
- Dhok Shah Alam Khan
- Banth
- Mohra Kotiyan
- Chakri Road
- Adyala
- Paswal Sharif
Builders and Developers of Rawalpindi Ring Road
Under the jurisdiction of the Rawalpindi Building Authority, the 38.3km ring road project, in partnership with FWO, NESPAK, BOTEK, and others, is pledged to achieve a state-of-the-art infrastructure.
The consortium is dedicated to completing the project before the deadline, underscoring their commitment to timely delivery and efficient execution. On the other hand, each company will handle this project’s design, engineering, construction, and technical work separately.
Here are the companies going to build and develop their part of ring road:
Route of Rawalpindi Ring Road
The ring road will begin in Rawalpindi and terminate in Sanjani, Islamabad. Consequently, Rawalpindi will make up half of the ring road’s length, with the remaining half situated in Islamabad.
Moreover, the ring road will cross the Chakbeli region in Rawalpindi after commencing from G.T. Road Rawat, which is close to Radio Pakistan and lies beneath the territories of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Similarly, the next point on the Rawalpindi Ring Road is Adyala. Once you pass through this area, you will come to Chakri. From Chakri, you will go to Thaliyan. And from Thaliyan, you will enter Islamabad territory via Sanjani.
The route in Easy Steps
- Rawat (Under the territory of both Rawalpindi and Islamabad)
- Chakbeli Khan Region (Rawalpindi)
- Adiala (Rawalpindi)
- Chakri (Rawalpindi)
- Thaliyan (Rawalpindi)
- Islamabad International Airport (Islamabad)
- Sanjani (Islamabad)
Phases of Rawalpindi Ring Road
As per the old document of the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), the Rawalpindi Ring Road project entails the construction of a new road spanning approximately 65.3 kilometers.
Furthermore, to alleviate traffic congestion in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, the Government of Punjab (GoPb) has opted to execute the Rawalpindi Ring Road in three distinct phases:
- Commencing from N-5 to DI Hakla, a six-lane dual carriageway (3 + 3 lanes on both sides).
- Progressing from DI Hakla to M-1, featuring two plus two (2+2) rigid pavements alongside the existing motorway.
- Initiating from M-1 to Sangjani, a six-lane dual carriageway (3 + 3 lanes on both sides).
The current length of Rawalpindi Ring Road is around 38.3 km from G.T. Road (Rawat) to Sanjani.
Phases
- T Road (Rawat) to Thaliya
- Motorway to Sanjani
Rawalpindi Ring Road Interchanges
The Rawalpindi Ring Road will feature various interchanges, with imminent construction planned for critical junctions such as Banth, Chak Beli Khan, Adiala, Chakri, and Thalian. Please take a look into the details of each interchange to gain an understanding of their significance and anticipated contributions to regional connectivity.
- Banth Interchange
- Chak Beli Khan Interchange
- Adiyala Interchange
- Chakri Interchange
- Thaliya Interchange
- Sanjani Interchange
According to the Commissioner’s statement, “An industrial zone will be set up in the surrounding area of Rawalpindi. Also there will be five interchanges, a Railway Bridge, with 5 overpasses and 21 subways on the ring road will be constructed”.
New Alignment RRR (R3)
According to the Dawn Sources, A collaborative effort between Turkish and Pakistani companies identified the 38.3-kilometer route of Rawalpindi Ring Road from Banth to Thalian Interchange as the most suitable choice after a third-party audit.
Dawn sources also indicated that the consultant’s chosen alignment aligns with the approval given by the PTI government.
Rawalpindi Ring Road Opening Date
According to Chief Minister Mohsin Naqwi, the anticipated completion of the ring road is projected within the next two years. However, he also acknowledged the possibility of the timeline being subject to any changes in government leadership.
Construction & Latest Updates
Chief Minister Mohsin Naqwi is working day and night on the latest projects. Rawalpindi Ring Road is one of the most critical projects in his diary even though, according to the reports, Nespak provided all the necessary drawings related to the ring road project to the chief minister. Mohsin Naqwi is also doing the surprise visit to confirm the construction is going on with the flow.
Furthermore, the construction work on the Banth and Chek Beli Interchange had also started. Heavy Machinery is also being used to construct the 6 lanes, subways, drainage channels, and roads.
According to reports, the overseeing authorities have acquired the land for the project’s phase. Additionally, the initial funding has been allocated to the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA). The Capital Development Authority (CDA), RDA, and Frontier Works Organization (FWO) are actively engaged in advancing the project.
Furthermore, Botek Corporation is diligently involved in the project’s planning, layout, and design phases. Landmarking initiatives have commenced, and the FWO has established its presence on-site.
Salient Features of Rawalpindi Ring Road
However, the Rawalpindi Ring Road project is one of the most significant projects in the history of Punjab. The construction of this Rawalpindi ring road is about 38 km long. This road will begin from G.T. Road Rawat and terminate at Sanjani National Highway. The project aims to provide a high-capacity and efficient road facility.
Salient Features
- 13 Bridge
- 10 Overpass
- 51 Culverts
- 16 Subway
- 3 Lane Road
- 38 km long
Well, there are many benefits too that you can get from Rawalpindi Ring Road if you are mainly living in Rawalpindi or near;
- Residential Development
- Alleviate Traffic Congestion
- Smooth Traffic Flow
- Alternate Route
- Real Estate Industry
- Minimal Noise Pollution
1. Real Estate Industry:
The ring road will help increase property value with accessibility. Not only this, but it will attract local and overseas investors or foster economic growth in adjacent areas.
2. Residential Development:
Rawalpindi Ring Road will facilitate the development of different housing societies and promote urban development nearby.
3. Alleviate Traffic Congestion:
Rawalpindi Ring Road will facilitate the development of different housing societies and promote urban development nearby.
4. Smooth Traffic Flow
However, it will ensure seamless traffic movement, enhancing connectivity and promoting a safer and more efficient transportation network.
5. Alternate Route:
Ring Road will provide:
- An alternative route.
- Dispersing traffic load from congested areas.
- Minimizing delays.
- Enhancing overall road network resilience.
6. Minimal Noise Pollution:
Noise pollution not only affects environmental pollution but also has profound health implications. The Ring Road mitigates noise pollution by diverting vehicles onto different routes, ensuring minimal traffic on each route.
Which Housing Societies Will Get Advantage?
Housing societies near Rawalpindi Ring Road are set to benefit from increased connectivity and property value. As construction progresses, these communities will enjoy improved accessibility, strategic location advantages, and positive infrastructure and quality of life impacts.
Housing Societies near 1ST Interchange (Chakbeli);
- DHA 3
- Saffron City
- Country Side
Housing Societies near 2nd Interchange (Adiala);
- DHA Phase 4
- RUDN Enclave
- Bahria Town
Housing Societies near 3rd Interchange (Chakri);
- Blue World City
- Capital Smart City
- Faisal Town Phase 2
Housing Societies near 4th Interchange (Thaliya'n);
- Faisal Town
- Silver City
- CBI Phase 2
Housing Societies near 5th Interchange (Motorway – Sanjani);
- B17
- E17
Directions of Maryam Nawaz
The new Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, told officials on March 1, 2024, to complete the Rawalpindi Ring Road by the end of December 2024.
When she visited the project site to check progress, she got updates from NESPAK and FWO. They said they’ve finished 24% of the work and plan to finish everything by February 2025. She also said the interchanges should be named after the villages they connect.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Rawalpindi Ring Road project significantly impacts the Twin Cities, especially Rawalpindi, by addressing persistent traffic congestion and offering substantial economic and developmental benefits.
Furthermore, anticipated benefits encompass enhanced residential development, improved traffic flow, Real estate industry growth, and noise pollution reduction, making it a transformative initiative for regional progress.
Memoona Zamir, a seasoned writer, specializes in website and social media content. A graduate of the University of the Punjab, Lahore, her keen interest lies in real estate. Motivated by her writing passion, she enjoys exploring new places, trying cuisines, and having pets.
