RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government has revised PC-I of the Ring Road project under which the estimated cost of the project has escalated to Rs39 billion, and the revised PC-I will be presented to the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) in its next meeting.

The provincial government has so far this year released Rs1 billion for the project as in July it had released Rs400 million and this month it further released Rs600 million for the construction of R3 project. The estimated cost has been revised upward to Rs39 billion from Rs32 billion.

“As we are waiting for the new schedule of CDWP where they will present the revised PC-I for approval,” said a senior official of Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) while talking to Dawn.

He said that after getting approval from CDWP, the revised PC-I will be presented in the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) meeting for final approval and then further funds will be released.

Revised PC-1 of the project will be presented to CDWP in its next meeting

“The revised PC-I was deliberated upon in the pre-CDWP meeting held on Oct 11 and it was observed that the PC-I cleared by CDWP forum on May 3 has already included price variation amounting to Rs1.698 billion against the work done and upfront price escalation amounting Rs1.222 billion as per guidelines given in the manual for development projects issued by Planning Commission of Pakistan,” he said.

He said that as per clause 55 of the Standard Contract Agreement Punjab, binding in the instant project, price variation has to be paid on work-done basis. He said that the launch of girders on the flyovers of the Ring Road project has officially commenced, marking a significant milestone in the development of this vital infrastructure. However, he said that the work on main railway bridge will be started soon.

He said that Nespak and Pakistan Railways were working to complete the process of design of the bridge and it would be started as soon as possible.

The length of the proposed Ring Road is 38.3 km. It will have five interchanges at Baanth, Chak Baili Khan, Adiala Road, Chakri Road, and Thalian.

An industrial zone will be established around the highway which will operate at a design speed of 120km with six lanes.

The project, which aims to ease traffic flow in Rawalpindi and reduce congestion, is a key part of the region’s ongoing efforts to enhance transportation networks.

Meanwhile, RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza in a press release said that RDA has issued clear instructions for the timely and efficient completion of the work.

“The project must meet all deadlines set in the timeline,” she said.

“However, there will be no compromise on the quality and standard of the work. We are committed to ensuring that the flyovers are built to the highest standards for the safety and convenience of the public.” she said.

She said that the Ring Road Project once completed, will provide a crucial link between various parts of the city, boosting connectivity and supporting economic growth in the region. As part of the ongoing construction, the launching of girders on the flyovers represents a critical phase, ensuring the project stays on track for its expected completion, she said.

RDA is working in collaboration to ensure the project progresses smoothly and that safety protocols are strictly followed during the construction phase. It may be mentioned here that during the PTI government, two routes were planned for the project and later work was started on the carriageway from Baanth on Grand Trunk Road to Thalian on the motorway.

Published in Dawn, November 30th, 2024