Ring Road and Kachehri Chowk projects near completion but face billions in cost overruns
RAWALPINDI:
Two cutting-edge projects in the city – the Rawalpindi Ring Road and the combined Kachehri flyover and underpass – have become white elephants for the national exchequer due to massive cost escalation and repeated deadline extensions.
The Ring Road project was inaugurated by former Prime Minister Imran Khan in April 2022 with an estimated cost of Rs27 billion, which later increased to Rs33 billion and now stands at Rs53 billion.
Similarly, the District Courts flyover and underpass project saw its cost increase from Rs6.5 billion to Rs19 billion.
Officials have warned that if the projects are not completed by May 31, a further cost increase of Rs 2-3 billion is expected. Both projects are in their final stages and will initially be partially opened.
In a briefing with Commissioner Aamir Khattak, it was said that sharp increase in prices of construction materials had contributed to the rising costs.
Finishing works, including horticulture under the flyovers, are 40 percent complete, while street lights and poles have already been installed. Decorative lighting was also initiated.
The ring road, initially planned at 38.6 kilometers, has been reduced to less than 50 kilometers and will now extend from Banth to Thalian.
A second phase from Thalian to the highway is planned, with the feasibility and preparation of PC-1 already underway. The road will have five interchanges and six lanes, guaranteeing traffic without lights. It is expected to process 18,000 vehicles per day.
The Banth-Thalian section is expected to be inaugurated in the first week of June, while Phase II – from Thalian to Sangjani Expressway – will begin in the next financial year, subject to funding, and will be part of the CPEC.
The combined Kachehri flyover and underpass project, the longest in Rawalpindi, is 85% complete. Painting, signage, landscaping and road repairs are underway. A modern European-style pedestrian bridge – the largest in the city – is also under construction and is 74 percent complete.
Commissioner Khattak said the delays were caused by heavy workload, Eid holidays, rains and other factors. He, however, assured that both projects would be opened to the public before June 15, thereby significantly reducing traffic jams.
