Rawalpindi: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Punjab government has allocated development funds for the construction of one flyover and six underpasses in Rawalpindi and Gujar Khan under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2026 27, reinforcing its commitment to modernising urban transport infrastructure and easing traffic congestion in one of the province's busiest regions.
According to the provincial development budget, PKR 100 million has been allocated during the current fiscal year for the construction of the Ammar Chowk Flyover in Rawalpindi. The project forms part of the city's Mall Signal Free Corridor Project and carries an estimated total cost of PKR 3 billion. Once completed, the flyover is expected to improve traffic movement along one of Rawalpindi's most heavily travelled corridors by eliminating signal related delays and reducing travel time.
In another major allocation, the provincial government has earmarked PKR 200 million for the construction of the Race Course Underpass and the Army Graveyard Underpass, both of which are designed to improve traffic circulation and reduce congestion at key intersections within the city.
The ADP also includes PKR 93 million for the Tulsa Chowk Underpass, a project with an estimated cost of PKR 2.691 billion, while PKR 100 million has been allocated for the COD Underpass, which is expected to cost approximately PKR 3.75 billion upon completion.
Beyond Rawalpindi city, the provincial government has extended infrastructure development to Gujar Khan, where PKR 100 million has been allocated for the construction of two new underpasses at Galiana Mor and Technical College Chowk. The combined estimated cost of these two projects stands at PKR 4.531 billion, reflecting the government's broader strategy to improve regional road connectivity and accommodate increasing traffic volumes in growing urban centres.
The allocations form part of the Punjab government's wider infrastructure development agenda under the ADP 2026–27, which prioritises investment in road networks, urban mobility and transport efficiency. Officials expect the projects to improve connectivity, enhance road safety, reduce traffic bottlenecks and support long term economic activity by facilitating smoother movement of commuters and commercial transport across the Rawalpindi region.
The flyover and underpass schemes complement several other transport initiatives announced under the current development programme, underscoring the provincial government's focus on strengthening infrastructure and supporting sustainable urban growth through strategic public investment.

Rawalpindi: [ReNews Pakistan]
The National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) has recommended expanding the existing M 2 Motorway instead of constructing a new road alignment for the second phase of the Rawalpindi Ring Road (RRR), according to a comprehensive feasibility study submitted to the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA).
The study, prepared jointly by NESPAK and ACE Private Limited, proposes widening the motorway by adding two additional lanes on each side between the Thalian Interchange and the Srinagar Interchange. The report concludes that this option offers the most practical, economically viable and sustainable solution for accommodating future traffic growth while minimizing construction costs.
According to the feasibility report, expanding the existing motorway infrastructure would substantially increase traffic carrying capacity and improve travel efficiency without the need for a completely new alignment. The proposal is expected to facilitate smoother movement of passenger vehicles as well as heavy commercial and freight traffic, which is projected to increase significantly over the coming years.
The consultants evaluated three alternative alignments for the second phase of the Rawalpindi Ring Road before selecting the motorway expansion as the preferred option. The report notes that utilizing the existing motorway corridor would reduce land acquisition requirements, lower environmental impacts and accelerate project implementation compared to constructing a separate roadway.
The feasibility report has been submitted to the Rawalpindi Development Authority and is expected to be forwarded to the Punjab government for review and approval. Provincial authorities will determine whether the recommended alignment will be incorporated into the next phase of the region's long term transport development strategy.
The proposed Phase II is designed to extend the benefits of the under construction Rs 47 billion Rawalpindi Ring Road project, which currently terminates at the Thalian Interchange. Once implemented, the expansion is expected to provide stronger connectivity between the motorway network and G T Road, improving access for commuters, logistics operators and industrial traffic across Rawalpindi and surrounding areas.
Officials believe the project would play an important role in strengthening regional transport infrastructure, easing congestion on major routes and supporting future urban and economic growth. Improved connectivity is also expected to enhance trade logistics, reduce travel times and increase the efficiency of freight movement between northern and central Pakistan.
If approved by the Punjab government, the motorway expansion will become a key component of the broader Rawalpindi Ring Road development programme, further reinforcing the capital region's transport network and supporting long term infrastructure planning.

Rawalpindi: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Punjab government's flagship Rs 47 billion Rawalpindi Ring Road project is expected to open for traffic during the first week of July 2026, marking the completion of one of the province's largest road infrastructure developments.
According to project officials, asphalt paving on the 38.3 kilometer route has been completed, while only final finishing works remain before the project is formally handed over to the provincial government for inauguration.
Deputy Project Director Ashfaq Sulheri told that construction has entered its final phase and the Punjab government will be notified immediately after all remaining works are completed. The provincial authorities will then announce an official inauguration date before opening the expressway to motorists.
The remaining work includes lane markings, drainage systems, roadside fencing, landscaping, installation of traffic signboards, and road lighting. Officials said the installation of lampposts is progressing and is expected to be completed within the next month.
The Rawalpindi Ring Road extends 38.3 kilometers from Baanth on G.T. Road to Thalian, providing a high speed bypass around the city to reduce traffic congestion and improve connectivity between Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and surrounding areas.
The project features five major interchanges located at Baanth, Maira Mohra, Khasala, Kolian Parr, and Thalian, creating direct links with key transportation corridors and facilitating smoother movement of passenger and commercial traffic.
Beyond improving mobility, the Ring Road is expected to stimulate economic activity across the region. The Punjab government has planned an industrial zone along the corridor to attract investment, encourage industrial expansion, and generate employment opportunities. Officials also confirmed that construction of the Thalian Interchange expansion will begin after the main Ring Road project becomes operational.
Once inaugurated, the Rawalpindi Ring Road is expected to significantly reduce travel times, ease pressure on existing urban roads, improve freight movement, and support long-term urban and economic development across the Rawalpindi Islamabad metropolitan region.