The inauguration of the Rawalpindi Ring Road is once again facing uncertainty, with its planned August 14 launch now in doubt due to an ongoing legal dispute over a key project approval.
According to reports, construction of the highway’s main carriageway has been completed. However, the project’s official opening has been delayed because of a controversy surrounding the No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for the service area.
The case related to the NOC for a 102-kanal and 14-marla service area is scheduled to be heard by the Lahore High Court on July 16, and the court’s decision is expected to play a crucial role in determining when the project can be inaugurated.
The Rawalpindi Ring Road has already missed six previously announced inauguration dates, and the project has yet to be opened for public use.
The NOC controversy also resulted in administrative changes, with five officials, including the former commissioner and deputy commissioner, being removed from their positions.
Officials said the new district administration is waiting for both the court’s verdict and the findings of an ongoing inquiry before making a final decision on the project’s launch.
Authorities are also reviewing the role of the various bodies involved in approving the disputed NOC as part of the investigation.
The 38.3-kilometre, six-lane, access-controlled Rawalpindi Ring Road is designed to reduce traffic congestion in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The route stretches from the Banth Interchange on the N-5 GT Road near Rawat to the Thalian Interchange on the M-2 Motorway, close to Islamabad International Airport.
Also read: Rawalpindi-Murree-Kohala Road project progresses rapidly, 60% work completed
