Two state-of-the-art projects in the city – the Rawalpindi Ring Road and the Kachehri Combined Flyover and Underpass – have turned into white elephants for the national exchequer due to massive cost escalations and repeated deadline extensions.

The Ring Road project was inaugurated by former prime minister Imran Khan in April 2022 with an estimated cost of Rs27 billion, which later rose to Rs33 billion and has now reached Rs53 billion.

Similarly, the District Courts flyover and underpass project has seen its cost surge from Rs6.5 billion to Rs19 billion.

Officials warned that if the projects are not completed by May 31, an additional Rs2 to Rs3 billion increase in cost is expected. Both projects are in their final stages and will initially be opened partially.

During a briefing to Commissioner Aamir Khattak, it was stated that the sharp increase in construction material prices contributed to the rising costs.

Finishing work, including horticulture under overhead bridges, has reached 40 percent completion, while streetlights and poles have already been installed. Decorative lighting has also been initiated.

The Ring Road, originally planned at 38.6 kilometres, has been reduced to under 50 kilometres and will now run from Banth to Thalian.

A second phase from Thalian to the motorway is planned, with feasibility and PC-1 preparation already underway. The road will have five interchanges and six lanes, ensuring signal-free traffic flow. It is expected to handle 18,000 vehicles daily.

The Banth-to-Thalian stretch is likely to be inaugurated in the first week of June, while Phase II – from Thalian to Sangjani motorway – will commence in the next fiscal year, subject to funding, and will be part of CPEC.

The Kachehri Combined Flyover and Underpass project, the longest in Rawalpindi, is 85 per cent complete. Work on painting, signalling, landscaping, and road patching is underway. A modern European-style pedestrian bridge – the largest in the city – is also under construction and is 74 per cent complete.

Commissioner Khattak said delays were caused by extensive workload, Eid holidays, rains, and other factors. However, he assured that both projects would be opened to the public before June 15, easing traffic congestion significantly.