RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government has formally approved the construction of the much-awaited Rawalpindi Ring Road project under public-private partnership.

An advertisement inviting bids will be published in local and international newspapers soon.

This was stated at a meeting chaired by Commissioner retired Capt Mohammad Mehmood and attended by officials from the Rawalpindi Development Authority, Nespak, Lahore Ring Road Authority and Public Private Partnership Authority here on Monday.

Significant progress on the project has been made aimed at promoting economic activities and resolving traffic problems in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Now it has been decided that the bidding process would be started for the project.The Ring Road project was submitted to the Public Private Partnership Authority for approval in January.

The plan was approved after closely reviewing technical and economical aspects. The construction of the road will be completed in two years. The meeting was informed that the construction company would be given a concession period of 25 years during which it would collect toll from traffic.

The maintenance and repair of the Ring Road for 25 years will be the responsibility of the construction company.

The meeting was informed that the government was responsible for the provision of no-objection certificates (NOCs) for the project. Out of the required 30 NOCs, 25 have been obtained from different departments.

The meeting was informed that Rs6 billion had been allocated for land purchase in the current financial year and the process of payments had already been started.

The authorities concerned are also being consulted regarding establishment of commercial zones on the Ring Road.

Published in Dawn, February 23rd, 2021