The Rawalpindi Ring Road project is advancing with a new plan to reshape urban development in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has partnered with Mott MacDonald Pakistan (MMP) to create a detailed Land Use Plan and Corridor Development Strategy for the 38-km road.
A New Vision for Urban Growth
The agreement focuses on a 500-meter-wide corridor along the Ring Road, designed to promote organized urban expansion. This corridor will integrate residential, commercial, and institutional zones while addressing Rawalpindi’s chronic traffic congestion. The RDA aims to create a model for Pakistan’s first corridor-based urban development, balancing growth with livability.
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The plan prioritizes:
- Residential zones: Modern housing to reduce urban sprawl.
- Commercial hubs: Spaces for businesses and retail.
- Institutional areas: Schools, hospitals, and public facilities.
This approach is expected to streamline traffic flow and improve access to essential services for residents of the twin cities.
Economic Zones to Drive Prosperity
In a separate discussion, RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza outlined plans for economic zones along the Ring Road. These zones will feature logistics hubs, industrial areas, a dry port, health and education centers, wholesale markets, transport terminals, and amusement parks.
“These developments will create thousands of jobs, boost trade, and enhance facilities for residents,” Murtaza said. The economic zones are designed to attract investment and foster sustainable growth in the region.
Expert Support and Green Initiatives
Professor Shahid Mahmud, Senior Advisor at OIC Comstech, praised the project as a vital step for the twin cities’ southwestern growth. He urged the adoption of a Green Building Code to ensure environmentally friendly construction and suggested measures to address encroachments through urban regeneration.
Mahmud also emphasized the role of private sector involvement. “This project will act as a spark for regional progress, provided businesses and developers actively participate,” he noted.
Looking Ahead
The RDA is working toward a set timeline for the Ring Road’s completion, with Punjab authorities closely monitoring progress. The project promises to reduce traffic bottlenecks, create economic opportunities, and improve living standards in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
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For more details on the project timeline, read: Punjab Sets Deadline for Rawalpindi Ring Road Completion.
