Rawalpindi | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has set August 14, 2026, as the latest target for the inauguration of the long delayed Rawalpindi Ring Road project, marking the sixth completion deadline announced since construction resumed. While authorities remain optimistic about opening the strategic road corridor on Pakistan's Independence Day, a fresh legal dispute over a service area no objection certificate (NOC) has cast uncertainty over the proposed timeline.
The Rawalpindi Ring Road is considered one of Punjab's most significant transport infrastructure projects, designed to ease traffic congestion in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, improve regional connectivity and facilitate smoother movement between the motorway network and surrounding urban areas.
The project has experienced repeated delays over the past several years. During the tenure of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, construction was suspended after allegations emerged regarding changes to the project's alignment and design. The controversy resulted in investigations and the removal of several senior government officials, further delaying implementation.
Following the resumption of construction, the government announced a series of revised completion dates. Earlier targets of December 30, 2025, March 30, 2026, May 30, 2026, June 15, 2026, and June 22, 2026 were all missed due to construction and administrative challenges.
Officials have confirmed that the main carriageway extending from Banth Interchange to the motorway link has now been substantially completed. However, supporting infrastructure is still under development, including the construction of eight toll plazas and 16 toll booths, which remain essential before the motorway can become fully operational.
The latest challenge relates to a disputed No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued for the development of a 102 kanal and 14 marla service area on both sides of the Ring Road. The matter has entered legal proceedings after a division bench of the Lahore High Court suspended an earlier order that had validated the NOC.
The court has fixed July 16 as the next hearing date, and its decision could have a significant impact on the project's inauguration schedule. Depending on the outcome of the proceedings, authorities may either proceed with the planned August 14 opening or face another delay in completing one of Punjab's most anticipated road infrastructure projects.
Once operational, the Rawalpindi Ring Road is expected to reduce urban traffic congestion, improve freight movement, support new commercial and residential developments along its corridor and strengthen transport links between Rawalpindi, Islamabad and the national motorway network.

Rawalpindi | ReNews Pakistan
The Rawalpindi Bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC) has suspended an earlier judicial order that allowed commercial development along the service road of the Rawalpindi Ring Road, temporarily halting a proposed project that included a petrol pump and other commercial facilities.
A division bench comprising Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan and Justice Sardar Akbar passed the interim order while hearing intra court appeals filed by the Punjab government, the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), and the Ring Road project administration. The appeals challenge the decision of a single bench that had previously ruled in favor of the petitioner, Mazhar Rahim.
The court admitted the appeals for regular hearing and issued notices to the Commissioner Rawalpindi, the District Petrol Pump Committee, and the petitioner, directing all respondents to submit their replies by July 16.
The legal dispute concerns a commercial development proposal covering 102 kanals and 14 marlas of land located along the Rawalpindi Ring Road. Under the earlier approval granted by the Ring Road administration, the project was planned to include a petrol filling station, a mosque, landscaped green areas, internal service roads, and other supporting infrastructure.
According to court records, the petitioner had obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the RDA Commissioner after completing the required approval process. Following the issuance of the NOC, the petitioner reportedly deposited Rs. 178.413 million in official fees to secure the development rights.
However, the Punjab government and the concerned development authorities challenged the single bench's decision, arguing that the approval required further judicial scrutiny due to legal and administrative concerns surrounding commercial construction along the strategically important Ring Road corridor.
By suspending the earlier judgment, the division bench has effectively placed the commercial development on hold until the appeals are decided. The final outcome of the case could have significant implications for future commercial development, land-use planning, and investment policies along the Rawalpindi Ring Road, one of Punjab's largest ongoing infrastructure projects.
The matter will now proceed after the respondents submit their replies, with the next stage of proceedings scheduled following the July 16 deadline.

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.