Rawalpindi Development Authority moves to build an 11km dual carriageway linking Chak Beli Khan Interchange of Ring Road with GT Road to cut congestion.
The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has taken another step toward completing the Rawalpindi Ring Road network by seeking formal approval for a major new link road. The proposed project involves building an 11-kilometre dual carriageway to connect the Chak Beli Khan interchange of the Ring Road with the historic GT Road.
With an estimated cost of around Rs2.123 billion, the link is designed to give commuters a direct, safer route between the Ring Road and GT Road, easing pressure on existing city roads and helping the main project deliver its promised benefits.
Why The Chak Beli Khan Link Road Is Important
According to senior RDA officials, the Ring Road will only reach its full potential if it is supported by a network of well-planned link roads. These secondary routes allow traffic to enter and exit the Ring Road efficiently, without creating new bottlenecks at key junctions.
The Chak Beli Khan interchange is one of the important access points on the 38.3km Ring Road. Without a proper connecting road to GT Road, vehicles would still have to rely on narrow, congested routes that pass through residential and commercial areas.
By creating a dual carriageway dedicated to this link, the RDA intends to shift a large volume of traffic away from crowded inner roads and distribute flow more evenly across the network.
Project Design, Route and Estimated Cost
Under the proposal, the 11km road will be built as a dual carriageway, meaning separate lanes for each direction of traffic. This design is meant to improve safety, cut travel time, and support heavy vehicles that rely on the Ring Road to move goods across the region.
The estimated cost of the project is approximately Rs2.123 billion. This amount covers road construction, basic structures, and related works needed to connect the Chak Beli Khan interchange with GT Road.
Officials say the project will be processed through the Punjab Planning and Development Department, which reviews costs, technical designs, and expected economic benefits before granting final approval.
How The Link Fits into The Wider Ring Road Network?
The Rawalpindi Ring Road spans about 38.3 kilometres and includes five main interchanges at Baanth, Chak Beli Khan, Adiala Road, Chakri Road and Thalian. Construction work on these interchanges is ongoing and is reported to be nearing completion.
RDA has already obtained approval for development work on Adiala Road and Girja Road, two other important corridors that will feed traffic into the Ring Road. The Communication and Works Department is expected to start construction on these approved link roads soon.
The Chak Beli Khan link is another piece of the same puzzle. Together, these connections are intended to create a smoother flow between the Ring Road, GT Road, the motorway, and New Islamabad International Airport.
Expected Benefits for Commuters and Freight Traffic
Authorities say that once completed, the Ring Road project should help divert heavy freight traffic away from city roads. Trucks and goods vehicles will have a more direct route to the motorway and the airport, reducing the need to pass through busy urban corridors.
For daily commuters, a functional network of link roads means less time stuck in traffic on GT Road and other major arteries that currently handle both local and through-traffic. Over time, improved connectivity can also encourage new housing and commercial projects along the Ring Road, potentially supporting local economic activity.
Reduced congestion, fewer bottlenecks and shorter travel times can have knock-on effects on fuel costs, air quality and road safety. If the link road is completed as planned, it will play a central role in delivering these benefits.
What Happens Next in The Approval Process
At this stage, the RDA has prepared the proposal and shared it with the Punjab government. The next key step is the review by the Punjab Planning and Development Department, which will examine the technical and financial details before deciding on final approval.
Officials note that the overall Ring Road project is already around 76 percent complete. With interchanges nearing completion and other link roads ready for construction, the approval of the Chak Beli Khan–GT Road dual carriageway would push the scheme closer to its long-term target: a modern bypass that takes pressure off GT Road and improves connectivity for the entire Rawalpindi–Islamabad region.
For residents and businesses, the project’s progress will be closely watched, as its success could reshape daily travel patterns and support future growth around the twin cities.
