According to a comparative review of the 2017 and 2021 surveys, traffic on the major roads of Rawalpindi has increased three times. The survey states that 75,000 vehicles used to pass through Ammar Chowk on Airport Road in 24 hours, while 300,000 vehicles passed through Ammar Chowk daily in 2021 (Dawn News, 2021). An excessive increase in the number of vehicles has also increased traffic problems. According to the survey on Murree Road, 275,000 vehicles used to enter Murree Road from Mureer Chowk daily in 2017, while the 2021 survey observed 600,000 vehicles enter Murree Road from Mureer Chowk in 24 hours (Dawn News,2021).
In light of the survey, government authorities are making efforts to ease traffic congestion by constructing roads, underpasses, and bridges in the metropolis. In this context, the government has announced mega projects including the Rawalpindi Ring Road, Rawal Expressway, Kacheri Chowk, and underpasses. These projects are meant to provide a fast and efficient route for trade traffic and accessibility to the city. Out of all these projects, Rawalpindi Ring Road (R3) and Rawal Expressway projects are considered important projects. However, the work on the R3 project had been halted for some time due to the addition of a new alignment to the road. It was believed that halting the R3 project for a longer time could negatively affect the socio-economic development of the country.
Recently, the government has announced plans to restart the Ring Road and Rawal Expressway projects. According to government officials, the old alignment will be cancelled and a new alignment will be formed from Rewat to the Motorway measuring 38 kilometres. The total cost of the project is Rs33.7 billion including Rs27 billion for construction and Rs6.7 billion for land acquisition. In addition, for the Rawal Expressway, the government will construct a two-way road and a sewer line.
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