ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday took notice of the alleged changes in the re-alignment of the much-needed Rawalpindi Ring Road project, which not only increased the cost of the project by Rs25 billion but also benefited some private housing societies, and directed Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar to investigate the matter.

Sources in the Prime Minister Office (PMO) told Dawn that it had been brought to the notice of the prime minister that due to some changes in the alignment plan of the road, the cost of the project had gone up from Rs40bn to Rs65bn.

Work on the project has not been started so far as the local administration has invited bids for the project.

The premier has ordered that first it should be investigated as to when the original plan has been changed, for what reasons, on whose behest and to benefit whom.

“The responsibility will be fixed and officials found involved in any illegal change of the master plan of project would be dealt with in accordance with law,” the sources said.

“It will also be investigated if the project alignment and the width of the road have been changed to benefit certain private housing societies and if some influential politicians or groups are involved in the scam,” they said. According to original estimates, the construction of the 85km road was to be completed at a cost of Rs40bn.

Earlier, Rawalpindi Commi­ssioner retired Capt Mohammad Mehmood had asked the companies interested in getting the contract for the project under public-private partnership to submit their bids by April 12.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2021