RAWALPINDI: Five major health, water supply and road infrastructure projects announced and approved by successive governments for Rawalpindi have yet to be completed despite the passage of 20 years. Their combined estimated cost has risen from Rs75.5 billion to Rs342.904 billion, reflecting massive cost overruns and prolonged delays.
Water Supply Projects Face Staggering Delays
A project to provide an additional 17 million gallons per day (MGD) of water is expected to be completed by December next year, while another scheme to supply 28 MGD to the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad is still awaiting approval. The Daducha Dam Water Supply Project, launched in 2005 at an estimated cost of Rs5 billion, has seen its budget swell to Rs17 billion. It is scheduled for completion by December 31, 2027, and is expected to provide 35 MGD of additional water to the twin cities. However, officials cannot confirm whether the deadline will be met.
The Ghazi Barotha Water Channel project, designed to supply 200 MGD in the first phase and another 300 MGD in the second phase to Rawalpindi and Islamabad, was estimated at Rs35 billion two decades ago. Work never started, and the projected cost has now climbed to Rs170 billion. This project remains in limbo with no concrete progress.
Rawalpindi Ring Road Nears Completion After Two Decades
The Rawalpindi Ring Road, conceived two decades ago, is now scheduled to become operational on August 14 this year. Originally approved at Rs17 billion, the project is now nearing completion at a cost of Rs64.46 billion. The road is expected to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity in the region.
Mother and Child Hospital Upgraded but Still Incomplete
The foundation stone of the Mother and Child Hospital was laid by former prime minister Shaukat Aziz on April 8, 2005, on 105 kanals of land at an initial cost of Rs1.5 billion. No funds were allocated between 2008 and 2018, while only Rs400 million was earmarked in 2018-19. The cost later rose to over Rs5 billion without completion. The project has now been upgraded to a 400-bed Children's Hospital, increasing its total cost to Rs9.264 billion. Only Rs494.402 million has been allocated in the current fiscal year, making completion unlikely this year.
Leh Expressway and Sewerage Project Suspended
The Leh Expressway, Sewerage and Flood Control project, launched in 2007 at a cost of Rs17 billion, was suspended in 2008 and has not resumed. Its estimated cost has now reached Rs100 billion. The project was intended to address flooding and sewage issues in Rawalpindi but remains stalled indefinitely.
Cherah Dam and Rawalpindi-Kahuta Road Await Approval
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the Cherah Dam project last year. It is expected to provide 28 MGD of additional water to Rawalpindi and Islamabad at an estimated cost of Rs55 billion, besides a Rs30 billion, 20-kilometre pipeline and a new water treatment plant at Rawal Dam. The project is currently awaiting formal approval.
The 28.4-kilometre Rawalpindi-Kahuta Road, a defence route linked with Kotli and Rawalakot in Azad Kashmir, was approved by Ecnec on July 27, 2023, at a cost of Rs23.84 billion. Around Rs6.58 billion has been spent so far, but only one kilometre has been completed from the Kahuta side. The road is critical for strategic connectivity but has seen minimal progress.
