Rawalpindi Ring Road Inauguration Postponed for Ninth Time

The Rawalpindi Ring Road project, plagued by delays, has once again postponed its inauguration ceremony, marking the ninth such postponement. The authority behind the project has decided not to announce a new date for the ceremony, opting instead for a notice just 24 hours in advance. However, plans are already in place to open the road to general traffic prior to the formal inauguration.

Despite repeated announcements of inauguration dates, the project remains incomplete. This has led to severe reprimands for the officials who continue to make promises despite the lack of progress. In response to these reprimands, the officials have ceased commenting on the matter entirely.

The Rawalpindi Ring Road Authority in Lahore has made it clear that the remaining interchange and the entire toll collection system, including booths, weighing stations, and computerized toll collection, must be completed by the end of the month. These contractors have been directed to finish the remaining tasks by the deadline.

The repeated delays on the project have significantly increased its estimated cost. It has risen from Rs. 51.32 billion to crossing the Rs. 52 billion mark once again this week. The project has been ongoing for an unprecedented 24 years. Its foundation stone was laid by the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, in March 2022.