Rawalpindi Division

Rawalpindi | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has directed the Communication and Works (C&W) Department to complete the Rawalpindi/Murree/Kohala (RMK) Road project by August, accelerating efforts to improve connectivity between Rawalpindi, Murree and Kohala while easing growing traffic congestion on the Murree Expressway.
The directive was issued by Punjab Minister for Communication and Works Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bharth during an inspection of the under construction project, which forms a key component of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s Murree Development Plan. The minister, accompanied by senior officials of the C&W Department, reviewed construction quality and progress along more than 31 kilometres of the road corridor.
Officials briefed the minister that the project has reached approximately 60% physical completion, with work on the remaining sections continuing at an accelerated pace to meet the government's completion target. Bharth instructed the department to ensure that the August deadline is achieved without compromising engineering quality, construction standards or public safety.
Once completed, the RMK Road is expected to provide an alternative and more efficient route to Murree and Kohala, significantly improving regional connectivity. The project is also intended to reduce travel time, enhance road safety, facilitate economic activity and strengthen tourism infrastructure by offering better access to one of Punjab’s busiest hill destinations.
The upgraded road is expected to ease pressure on the Murree Expressway, which experiences heavy traffic, particularly during weekends, holidays and peak tourist seasons. Improved road infrastructure is also anticipated to benefit local communities by enhancing access to markets, services and economic opportunities.
Meanwhile, construction-related closures along portions of the RMK Road have diverted a substantial volume of traffic onto the Murree Expressway at a time when tourist arrivals continue to increase. In response, the City Traffic Police Murree has introduced a special traffic management plan to minimise congestion and maintain smooth traffic flow.
Under the plan, additional traffic personnel have been deployed at key intersections, major roads and popular tourist destinations across Murree. Authorities have also advised motorists to use alternative routes wherever possible, follow official traffic advisories and cooperate with traffic wardens to reduce delays during the ongoing construction period.
The Punjab government has reiterated that timely completion of the project remains a priority, describing the RMK Road as an important infrastructure initiative that will improve mobility, strengthen regional integration and support the long-term development of the Murree tourism corridor.

Rawalpindi: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Rawalpindi Ring Road project has reached 98% completion, with only the installation of the toll plaza remaining before the strategic transport corridor becomes operational. The Punjab government has also approved a dedicated policing and management system to oversee traffic enforcement, security and day to day operations once the road opens to the public.
The progress was reviewed during a high-level meeting chaired by Rawalpindi Commissioner Salman Ghani, where officials presented updates on construction, traffic management arrangements and landscaping plans for the 38.3 kilometre project.
Officials informed the meeting that all major civil works have been completed, including the main carriageway, flyovers, subways, interchanges, nullah bridges, river bridges and railway bridges. Road barriers, lane markings, traffic signboards and street lighting have also been installed, leaving the toll plaza as the final component before completion.
Under the approved operational framework, the Punjab Ring Road Authority will manage the toll plaza, collect tolls in accordance with rates notified by the Punjab government and oversee traffic management along the corridor. A dedicated policing and management system will also be established to ensure effective law enforcement, road safety, security and administrative control.
The Punjab government has so far released more than Rs 29 billion for the project, while the remaining funds are expected to be disbursed in the coming weeks to complete the outstanding works.
During the meeting, Commissioner Ghani directed the relevant departments to accelerate the remaining activities, including landscaping, tree plantation and grassing along both sides of the road, so that the project can be completed and opened to traffic without delay.
Once operational, the Rawalpindi Ring Road is expected to significantly ease congestion by diverting heavy traffic away from the city's urban areas. The project is also expected to improve traffic flow on major routes, including GT Road, Peshawar Road and Murree Road, while reducing travel time, fuel consumption and vehicle emissions. Authorities believe the new corridor will provide safer, faster and more efficient transport, while strengthening regional connectivity and supporting long-term urban and economic development in the Rawalpindi region.

Rawalpindi | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has set August 14, 2026, as the latest target for the inauguration of the long delayed Rawalpindi Ring Road project, marking the sixth completion deadline announced since construction resumed. While authorities remain optimistic about opening the strategic road corridor on Pakistan's Independence Day, a fresh legal dispute over a service area no objection certificate (NOC) has cast uncertainty over the proposed timeline.
The Rawalpindi Ring Road is considered one of Punjab's most significant transport infrastructure projects, designed to ease traffic congestion in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, improve regional connectivity and facilitate smoother movement between the motorway network and surrounding urban areas.
The project has experienced repeated delays over the past several years. During the tenure of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, construction was suspended after allegations emerged regarding changes to the project's alignment and design. The controversy resulted in investigations and the removal of several senior government officials, further delaying implementation.
Following the resumption of construction, the government announced a series of revised completion dates. Earlier targets of December 30, 2025, March 30, 2026, May 30, 2026, June 15, 2026, and June 22, 2026 were all missed due to construction and administrative challenges.
Officials have confirmed that the main carriageway extending from Banth Interchange to the motorway link has now been substantially completed. However, supporting infrastructure is still under development, including the construction of eight toll plazas and 16 toll booths, which remain essential before the motorway can become fully operational.
The latest challenge relates to a disputed No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued for the development of a 102 kanal and 14 marla service area on both sides of the Ring Road. The matter has entered legal proceedings after a division bench of the Lahore High Court suspended an earlier order that had validated the NOC.
The court has fixed July 16 as the next hearing date, and its decision could have a significant impact on the project's inauguration schedule. Depending on the outcome of the proceedings, authorities may either proceed with the planned August 14 opening or face another delay in completing one of Punjab's most anticipated road infrastructure projects.
Once operational, the Rawalpindi Ring Road is expected to reduce urban traffic congestion, improve freight movement, support new commercial and residential developments along its corridor and strengthen transport links between Rawalpindi, Islamabad and the national motorway network.