The Punjab government has announced a new target to open the long delayed Rawalpindi Ring Road project, aiming to inaugurate the route on August 14 despite a fresh legal controversy surrounding the development.
The new deadline comes after the government missed several previous completion targets for the mega infrastructure project. Although the main carriageway has now been completed, work on toll plazas and other supporting infrastructure is still underway.
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However, uncertainty continues to surround the project after a dispute emerged over a no objection certificate (NOC) issued for a commercial service area spanning more than 102 kanals along both sides of the Ring Road.
The matter is currently before the Lahore High Court, where a division bench has suspended an earlier ruling that upheld the NOC. The case is scheduled for further hearing on July 16.
The latest controversy has also resulted in another administrative reshuffle. Several senior officials, including the Rawalpindi commissioner and deputy commissioner, have been transferred, while new officers have taken charge of their respective positions.
The Rawalpindi Ring Road project has remained controversial since it was halted during former prime minister Imran Khan’s tenure following allegations of changes to its approved route and design. Since then, the Punjab government has repeatedly revised the project’s completion timeline.
Authorities are now hoping to meet the latest opening target, although the ongoing legal proceedings could affect the schedule.
