Thalian Interchange Work Starts Next Week on Rawalpindi Ring Road, Cost Now Rs 47 Billion

Rawalpindi residents have been waiting for this. Work on the Rs 5 billion Thalian Interchange will kick off next week. This is the final major piece that connects the Ring Road directly to the motorway.

The divisional administration is moving fast. They have called a meeting to acquire 358 more kanals of land near the motorway. This change has pushed the entire Ring Road project cost up to Rs 47 billion.

Why the Thalian Interchange Is So Important

This spot is where the Ring Road meets the M-2 motorway. Officials say more than 18,000 vehicles will pass through here every single day once it opens. Without a proper interchange, traffic would pile up badly.

The new design upgrades the plan to handle more vehicles smoothly. It will act as the main gateway between the Ring Road and the motorway. For people travelling between Rawalpindi, Islamabad and beyond, this means less waiting and fewer jams.

Land Acquisition and the Extra Cost

Originally, the interchange needed 557 kanals. But the updated plan requires 358 kanals more. The administration has already started the process under Section 14. They held a meeting chaired by Divisional Commissioner Aamer Khattak to sort out issues with houses in the area.

This extra land and design changes explain the jump in total project cost to Rs 47 billion. It is a big number, but it shows the government wants the job done right for long-term traffic relief.

Progress So Far on the Ring Road

Good news here too. More than 85 per cent of the Ring Road is already complete. Contractors have finished 28 kilometres of asphalt work out of the total 38.3-kilometre stretch from Banth to Thalian.

Other interchanges and overpasses are nearly ready. The Frontier Works Organisation has been told to start preparations for the Thalian part right away. At this pace, the full road is getting close to opening for traffic.

What the Finished Ring Road Will Look Like

The road is built as a six-lane controlled access corridor. The design speed is 120 km per hour, so journeys will feel quick and safe. No slow traffic lights or unexpected stops – just smooth driving.

It will have five interchanges in total. The Thalian one is the last big one. Once everything connects, people in Rawalpindi can bypass city traffic and head straight towards the motorway or other parts of the city without the usual headache.

Toll System: What to Expect

The Punjab government plans to follow the Lahore Ring Road model. That means a flat toll of Rs 80 per vehicle. They will use e-tags linked with the motorway system, so payments should be quick and easy – no long queues at booths.

This money will help keep the road well-maintained in the years ahead. For regular users, the time saved will probably be worth the small fee.

How This Helps Daily Life in Rawalpindi

Think about your morning commute. Right now, heavy traffic on main routes eats up hours. Once the Ring Road opens with the Thalian link, many trips will become faster and less stressful.

Families travelling to Islamabad, students going to universities, and traders moving goods will all benefit. The road also opens up new areas for housing and business along the corridor. Property values near the route have already started rising in expectation.

It is the kind of practical improvement that makes daily life in a growing city a bit easier.

Timeline and What Happens Next

Work starts next week on the interchange. The rest of the road is almost ready, so the full project could open for traffic within the next few months. Exact dates will become clearer once the interchange work picks up speed.

If you live near the route or travel through this area often, keep an eye on updates from the divisional administration. They usually share progress on official channels.

Final Thoughts

The Rawalpindi Ring Road has been a long time coming, but it is finally taking real shape. The start of Thalian Interchange work is a clear sign that completion is near. Yes, the cost has gone up, but the result should be smoother travel and better connectivity for everyone in the Twin Cities area.

For commuters tired of daily traffic jams, this is welcome news. Drive safely in the meantime, and get ready for a much better road ahead.For more updates, visit DrivePK.com