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.

Rawalpindi: [ReNews Pakistan]
Rawalpindi's historic Raja Bazaar has undergone a comprehensive transformation into a modern pedestrian friendly commercial district inspired by European walking streets, with the redeveloped marketplace scheduled to be inaugurated next week.
The centuries old commercial center, which has served as one of northern Pakistan's most important trading hubs for generations, has been redesigned to prioritize pedestrians, families and shoppers. Following its official inauguration, motorcycles and all other vehicles will be prohibited from entering the renovated section to create a safer and more accessible shopping environment.
The redevelopment covers the stretch between Fawara Chowk and Dingi Khoi Chowk along Hamilton Road, converting the area into a vibrant pedestrian market featuring wholesale and retail businesses, a dedicated food street and improved public spaces.
The project was completed at an estimated cost of approximately Rs. 450 million to Rs. 500 million through the combined efforts of multiple government agencies. IESCO invested around Rs. 170 million to shift electricity infrastructure underground, while WASA allocated nearly Rs. 50 million for the relocation of water supply lines. The Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation contributed approximately Rs. 240 million towards road reconstruction, streetscape improvements, beautification, drainage systems and pedestrian facilities.
A key feature of the redevelopment is the complete relocation of electricity, gas, telephone and internet cables beneath the ground, replacing overhead utility lines and poles that had long affected the area's appearance and safety. Sewerage and drainage infrastructure has also been modernized through underground installation to improve sanitation and reduce maintenance challenges.
The upgraded marketplace now features decorative street lighting, landscaped flower beds, newly planted trees, public seating areas and separate washroom facilities for men and women. Historic buildings within Raja Bazaar have also been restored, while shopfront signboards have been redesigned with a uniform architectural theme to enhance the visual identity of the commercial district.
For more than 150 years, Raja Bazaar has served as the primary wholesale trading center for Rawalpindi Division, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and the Hazara region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The market remains well known for offering a wide range of essential goods at competitive wholesale prices, attracting traders and shoppers from across northern Pakistan.
Beyond its commercial importance, Raja Bazaar has historically played a significant political role, serving as the starting point for numerous political movements, rallies and public demonstrations. However, under the new management framework, political gatherings, protests and demonstrations will no longer be permitted within the redeveloped area, allowing the market to function exclusively as a commercial and family oriented public space.
Officials expect the revitalized Raja Bazaar to strengthen local commerce, improve the visitor experience, preserve the area's architectural heritage and further establish Rawalpindi's oldest marketplace as one of Pakistan's leading urban commercial destinations.