RDA Ignores Important Rawalpindi Road Project in Rs. 8.76 Billion Annual Budget

The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has approved its Rs. 8.76 billion annual budget for fiscal year 2026-27, despite omitting plans for Murree Road improvements. The budget, reviewed by the finance sub-committee led by Rawalpindi Commissioner and RDA Director General Salman Ghani, is awaiting final approval from the Punjab government.

A total of Rs. 3.917 billion is earmarked for ongoing and new development initiatives in Rawalpindi, including the 38.3-kilometer Rawalpindi Ring Road R3 Project connecting Banj on N-5 with Thalian on M-2, for which a mere Rs. 3 million has been allocated. Additional funds of Rs. 5 million have been set aside for feasibility studies and design work on the Rawalpindi Ring Road Phase-II, extending from Thalian (M-2) to GT Road (N-5).

A further Rs. 1 million has been reserved for the Nullah Leh Project, encompassing a feasibility study and design plan for a trunk/outfall sewer along the Nullah Leh corridor. Other schemes in the pipeline include a feasibility survey for the RDA Housing Scheme, an examination of the Rawalpindi Master Plan, and a physical survey to identify traffic and planning requirements.

The RDA intends to allocate Rs. 572 million towards residential apartments for officials, Rs. 450 million for multi-story buildings on vacant RDA land, and Rs. 368 million for parking facilities across various locations. The authority has also allocated Rs. 154 million for feasibility studies and geotechnical investigations, while Rs.

10 million will be spent on enhancing the Fawara Chowk Parking Plaza. The RDA anticipates generating Rs. 4.482 billion from its own sources, with the remaining Rs. 3.917 billion coming from grants by the Punjab government, the Annual Development Programme, and deposit works. The RDA's own revenue is primarily derived from commercialization fees (Rs.

450 million), building plan fees (Rs. 350 million), and scrutiny fees charged to housing societies (Rs. 300 million).