CPEC: PM Imran Khan performs groundbreaking of Rawalpindi Ring Road project
Gwadar Pro
Rawalpindi: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has performed the groundbreaking of the Rawalpindi Ring Road project – a China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) venture.
The 38.3 kilometres long Ring Road project will comprise six lanes and five interchanges will also be constructed on it.
Addressing the ceremony, the Prime Minister said that the RRD project will ease out traffic flow in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
“Ring Road projects are important of big cities like Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot and other metropolitan cities,” stated PM Khan and added that he had directed authorities concerned for early completion of master plans of ten major cities to contain their spread.
He maintained that the Rawalpindi ring road project as an alternate route would reduce travel time and expenditures of passengers. “The project will also provide employment opportunities and boost economic activities,” he remarked.
The premier also announced that he will inaugurate Nullah Lai Expressway project in coming three weeks, adding that a new city would be constructed around Nullah Lai.
Rawalpindi Ring Road is a long awaited mega development project which is now becoming a reality. This by-pass was much needed due to three major reasons.
Firstly, majority of traffic including trucks coming from Central Punjab and Northern Punjab pass through Rawalpindi City using Grand Trunk Road N-5 which creates serious traffic issues.
Secondly, there is no direct road/by-pass in Rawalpindi to access Motorway and New Islamabad Airport. So, all such traffic has to pass through the entire city and take Kashmir Highway to reach Motorway and Airport.
Thirdly, new housing developments are taking place on Adyala Road and Chakri Road, but there is no direct seamless access to these new development areas.
Ring Road project will divert the unnecessary traffic right at the start of the City, thus easing off traffic load from the city. Additionally, new commercial zones will be developed along the road where new businesses will establish and flourish.
Expansion of Rawalpindi will speed up with this mega venture as ease-of-access will cause people to live and work in new development areas.
