This stage of Rawalpindi Ring Road Phase 2 projects for twin cities. Such as Rawalpindi and Islamabad has been going well. Now that the first stage is drawing to a close, the focus of attention will be on the second part. Extending the Ring Road with major transportation routes including China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and main GT Road near Sangjani. This paper outlines how things stand at present, what work has been accomplished so far. What still lies ahead in finishing off this immense undertaking.

What Is Phase I and What Has Been Done So Far

The first phase of the Ring Road is about 38.3 km in length. Starting from Baanth on the GT Road (N-5) and ending at Thalian Interchange of M-2 motorway. It runs through Chakbeli Road, Adiala Road and Chakri Road. Baanth, Chak Beli Khan, Adiala Road, Chakri Road and Thalian are the future sites of more than one interchange. As a six–lane expressway requires necessary bridges, overhead bridges, tunnels, culverts and toll plazas.

Phase I was more than 50% completed by April 2025.Quantum completion (about 75 percent) has been achieved as at November 2025. The next step in construction is to be undertaken with the launching underway (various tests) of the Thalian Interchange. Work on toll plazas and associated facilities. Because the project field was expanded to include the redesign of the Interchange and the toll plaza layout. This project scope increased significantly. Early approval was for around Rs 33 billion, but by current estimates total costs might rise to as much as Rs 50 billion. As a consequence, it is highly unlikely that what was initially planned to be complete by December 2025 will now be finished by March 2026.

What Phase II Entails

The Hemisphere II designates future extension of the Ring Road from Thalian Interchange to its point on the GT Road in Sangjani. The study for this same design certified recently by these relevant departments had already begun. Phase II has subcontracted a consulting group to suggest ways in which ring roads could be laid. The study was commissioned at a cost of approximately Rs 52 million and is expected to report within about four months on its findings. If the project proceeds, a plan might include acquisition of land along a corridor on both sides of the new alignment, possibly about 500 metres wide. This land is intended for major transport terminals, logistics centers, wholesale markets (for fruits, vegetables and goods) and, conceivably, future industrial or commercial zones. The objective is to shift heavy transport and marketing activities outward from city centers, thus relieving traffic pressures within towns.

Challenges, Debates and Uncertainties

Despite visible progress, there remain significant challenges and uncertainty around Phase II. A major issue is the scale of land acquisition required. This could displace landowners and impact communities. Because of these concerns, some officials have recommended abandoning Faisal Town Phase II in favor of an alternative plan. Under this “motorway-merger” proposal traffic from the Ring Road would merge onto the motorway (M-2). The motorway would then be expanded with additional lanes to handle increased flow. This option could avoid large-scale land acquisition and reduce the overall project cost.

If the motorway-merger plan is accepted, the need for full Ring Road extension may be reconsidered. Authorities have suggested that if the extension proceeds then a new feasibility study should identify the shortest, least intrusive route. Even with the feasibility study underway, final alignment, approval and actual construction of Phase II depend on a combination of factors including financing, public opinion, and regulatory approvals. Until then the extension remains a plan, not a guaranteed reality.

Cost escalation remains another concern. The expansion of project scope, high inflation in material costs, and inclusion of additional infrastructure have increased the budget dramatically. Time delays have also occurred. Phase I’s completion timeline has been pushed from December 2025 to March 2026 because of these adjustments. Delays and rising costs could continue, especially if Phase II moves forward with a larger scope.

What to Watch in 2026

Saying the project gets on track, this is the likely timetable and what interested parties such as local residents, commuters and investors should keep an eye out for:

• Phase I (Baan gate to Thalian) will be completed by March 2026.
• Final feasibility report for Phase II by early 2026 and proposed route alignment.
• Government decision on whether to go ahead as planned–with Phase II exempt from motorway link recommended by consultant group AECOM—or choose the motorway-merger option.
• The situation reaches a critical juncture in 2024, say sources. This refers to which way Phase II will go. If it is approved then eventually: notices of land acquisition serve the area, planning or even preliminary work on its extension and associated development clusters begin.
• If the motorway-merger is adopted, have motorway lanes widened and traffic flow adjusted without building a completely new extension.

Depending on these events the region could witness a substantial change such as reduction of traffic jams, increased connectivity, new business and industrial zones besides those already existing in the area being built, and what influence this will have on property values in nearby areas.

Conclusion

The Rawalpindi Ring Road project has the potential to transform transport and urban development for the Rawalpindi–Islamabad region. With Phase I nearing completion and Phase II under serious consideration, the coming months will be pivotal. If implemented with careful planning, transparent land acquisition and proper execution, the project could greatly ease traffic congestion, improve logistics and open new opportunities for economic growth.

However, rising costs, delays and ambiguities about Phase II alignment and approval mean no one knows for sure whether it will live up to its full potential. What is clear is that the next steps, the results of a feasibility study, policy decisions, and execution will determine whether the “ring” truly gets built or whether that remains just a plan. The shape of urban connectivity in this area in the future depends on how intelligently these next steps are handled.