Ring Road, Kachehri Chowk projects near completion but face billions in cost overruns
RAWALPINDI:
Two state-of-the-art projects in the city – Rawalpindi Ring Road and Kachehri Combined Flyover and Underpass – have turned into white elephants for the national exchequer due to massive cost escalations and repeated deadline extensions.
The ring road project was inaugurated by former Prime Minister Imran Khan in April 2022 with an estimated cost of Rs 27 billion, which later increased to Rs 33 billion and has now reached Rs 53 billion.
Similarly, the District Courts flyover and underpass project has seen its cost increase from Rs6.5 billion to Rs19 billion.
Officials warned that if the projects are not completed by May 31, a further increase in costs of Rs2 to Rs3 billion is expected. Both projects are in their final phase and will initially be partially opened.
During a briefing to Commissioner Aamir Khattak, it was stated that the steep rise in construction material prices contributed to the rising costs.
Finishing work, including horticulture under overhead bridges, has reached 40 percent completion, while street lights and poles have already been installed. Decorative lighting has also been started.
The ring road, originally planned for 38.6 kilometers, has been reduced to less than 50 kilometers and will now run from Banth to Thalian.
A second phase from Thalian to the highway is planned, with feasibility and PC-1 preparation already underway. The road will have five interchanges and six lanes, which ensures signal-free traffic flow. It is expected to handle 18,000 vehicles daily.
The Banth to Thalian stretch is likely to be inaugurated in the first week of June, while Phase II – from Thalian to Sangjani highway – will begin in the next financial year, subject to funding, and will be part of CPEC.
The Kachehri Combined Flyover and Underpass project, the longest in Rawalpindi, is 85 percent complete. Work on painting, signaling, landscaping and road patching is underway. A modern European-style pedestrian bridge – the largest in the city – is also under construction and is 74 percent complete.
Commissioner Khattak said delays were caused by heavy workload, Eid holidays, rain and other factors. However, he assured that both projects would be opened to the public by June 15, which will ease traffic significantly.
