The foundation stone of one of the most anticipated projects in the twin cities, the Rawalpindi Ring Road Project Economic Corridor (commonly known as Rawalpindi Ring Road), was finally laid down on 19th March 2022. This marks the beginning of a tremendous housing market shift, with investment opportunities dotting the entire route.
The project was initiated in 1991, but it couldn’t be executed due to frequent changes in government regimes. Even though it is now expected to complete within 2 years, it has already caused Pakistan’s real estate sector to pick up momentum.
Graana.com has highlighted all that you need to know about this ambitious infrastructure scheme.
What the Project Entails
The PKR 50 billion project of the Rawalpindi Ring Road is a partnership between public and private entities and will be carried out in 3 phases. It is under the control of the Punjab Highway Department, with NesPak designing the master plan.
It will be around 65 km long and 300 feet wide. The Rawalpindi Ring Road alignment will be constructed according to the 2017 alignment, under which the road will start from Channi Sher Alam Bridge on Grand Trunk Road and end at Thalian Interchange on the Lahore-Islamabad Motorway.
There will be two link roads connecting to GT Road, both 6 km and 8 km long respectively. In addition, there will be 3 interchanges, 6 flyovers, and 10 overhead bridges.
The economic and environmental costs of traffic congestion in large metropolitan areas are enormous. Under the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Rawalpindi Ring Road is a significant mitigation measure by the authorities; it aims to decentralise traffic movement from N-5 and enhance traffic flow on GT Road.
Initially, there was no short route to the Islamabad International Airport and M-2 Motorway from Rawalpindi, nor was there any direct access to the new housing developments taking place on Adyala Road and Chakri Road. The Rawalpindi Ring Road serves as a solution to that by reducing the journey time to reach adjoining housing schemes.
In addition, the construction of a modern dry port, international expo center, state-of-the-art hospital, produce markets, public transport terminals, and cattle markets are also part of the project. Around 15,000 trees will be planted along the route as well.
The Impact on Real Estate
With the coronavirus pandemic upending businesses, coupled with buyers being sidelined due to surging housing costs (with low return on investment), the real estate market has been in a state of frenzy in recent years. Supply-chain disruptions also exacerbated the problem, especially since demand for housing continues to grow.
However, the shortage in supply is now cited as potentially profitable by real estate experts as investors are now chasing rising prices.
The Rawalpindi Ring Road brings high statistical confidence in this regard – local real estate agents are inclined to believe that the development would cause land prices to more than double by mid-2023, and positive returns can be expected in the next 3 to 5 years.
The current predictions are spurring property developers into action, giving them the confidence to go forward with residential and commercial projects on (or in close proximity to) the Rawalpindi Ring Road.
The new housing societies would attract affluent buyers, dramatically boosting spending power – the impact of which would trickle down, giving opportunities to retail and food/beverage companies.
This would increase property values and eventually improve the imbalance between supply and demand.
Investment Opportunities
There are a number of housing projects that utilize this new road access and are, hence, the most promising investment opportunities at the moment. It is also the most opportune time to invest as demand and property values will rise as the Rawalpindi Ring Road develops. Some of them have been listed below:
DHA Phase III, Islamabad
The Defence Housing Authority is the first largest residential community in Pakistan. It is a government-owned real estate development company that was inaugurated in 2016.
DHA Phase III, in particular, formerly known as the New Pindi Housing Scheme, is a comparatively cheaper and non-developed area. There are two entrance points, one from Rawat on GT Road and another opposite DHA Phase II.
It only houses residential plots, for now, offering the following sizes:
| Plot Size | Estimated Price |
| 5 marla | 25 lacs |
| 8 marla | 30 lacs |
| 10 marla | 45 lacs |
| 1 kanal | 70 lacs |
It is important to note that the prices may vary according to the block the property resides in.
The area already attracts scores of investors (both domestic and overseas), since it is considered a highly exclusive area with top-notch facilities.
Amenities include a wide network of well-developed roads, commercial areas with popular cafes and restaurants, sports complexes, mosques, green belts, a proper waste management system, and much more.
The Jacaranda Club currently serves as the top source of entertainment, with its various luxury services, cinema, and bowling alley.
Future plans include the development of more schools and hospitals in the area. It has a centralized security system, as well as a complaint management system for residents’ support.
Since the prices are relatively low, higher returns can be expected in the short term. They are expected to rise by 70-100% in the next 2-3 years.
With the high resale value and the development of the Rawalpindi Ring Road, the return on investment can be expected to rise even more in the long term.
Bahria Town Phase VIII Extension
This rapidly developing housing scheme is located on Adyala Road-Rawat Road Link, next to Phase N of Bahria Town Phase VIII. It will have a direct connection to the main city area through the Rawalpindi Ring Road.
The project has been divided into six different sectors, offering only residential plots.
The varying sizes (and their costs) have been summarised below.
| Plot Size | Estimated Price |
| 5 marla | 12-15 lacs |
| 8 marla | 15-17 lacs |
| 10 marla | 18-22 lacs |
| 1 kanal | 35-40 lacs |
Do note that the property prices may be subject to change according to each sector.
The luxurious area comprises well-planned, modern infrastructure, reputable schools, medical centers, parks, sports grounds, recreational facilities (like a golf course), etc.
Even though this area is not yet entirely developed, it still comes under the umbrella name of Bahria Town, hence guaranteeing a high return on investment in the next year (especially due to the construction of the Rawalpindi Ring Road). It currently has the lowest housing prices in the entire Phase VIII.
The plot prices can increase by 100% in a year. However, due to the large number of investors at the moment, there may be a hike in prices, so it is best if this opportunity is availed soon.
The approval of the Rawalpindi Ring Road project has already caused an increase in property values.
The only potential drawback of these investment options is that an upfront payment of the full amount is required at the time of the purchase instead of through any installment options.
Capital Smart City, Rawalpindi
With the motto ‘Smart Economy, Smart Housing and Smart Environment’, the Capital Smart City aims to become the first smart city in Pakistan (and the 4th in Asia). It is located on the M-2 Motorway near the Islamabad International Airport, and along the eastern route of CPEC. The Rawalpindi Ring Road will be at a distance of 3 km, on Chakri Road.
It is a joint project between Habib Rafiq (Pvt.) and Future Holdings Developments that have been approved by the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA). The master plan has been designed by Surbana Jurong, a consulting firm based in Singapore.
It happens to be the most expensive housing project on Chakri Road, as compared to its neighboring societies like MIVIDA.
| Plot Size | Estimated Price |
| 3.5 marla | 16-18 lacs |
| 5 marla | 20-25 lacs |
| 7 marla | 26-32 lacs |
| 10 marla | 32-42 lacs |
| 1 kanal | 50-65 lacs |
| 2 kanal | 1.10-1.25 crores |
It offers commercial plots as well:
| Plot Size | Estimated Price |
| 2.5 marla | 50-55 lacs |
| 4 marla | 70 lacs – 1.05 crore |
| 8 marla | 1.30-1.80 crores |
| 4 kanal | 2.95 crore |
| 8 kanal | 4.9 crore |
Plots in the Overseas Block and Executive District Block are expected to be available for possession in the next 1-2 years. Villas and apartments are also being offered on a 3-4 years installment plan.
The innovative, self-sustainable, and eco-friendly design makes it ideal for property businesses. Some amenities include a modern drainage system, constant power supply, advanced security facilities like a facial recognition system, theme park, nurseries, hotels, shopping centers, sports clubs, etc.
Future reports promise good returns; in fact, the value may appreciate even more in the long term as development progresses. There is an expected increase of 50-70% by the next 2-3 years.
Rudn Enclave, Rawalpindi
This is an ongoing housing project on Adyala Road. Its strategic position – with the Rawalpindi Ring Road passing right through it and the Adyala Interchange directly across – makes it even more valuable. It offers ample amenities and community space.
The sizes of the residential plots are as follows:
| Plot Size | Estimated Price |
| 5 marla | 10-12 lacs |
| 7 marla | 14-18 lacs |
| 10 marla | 21-24 lacs |
| 1 kanal | 35-40 lacs |
Farmhouse plots are also available, next to Khasala Dam:
| Plot Size | Estimated Price |
| 4 kanal | 80 lacs – 1 crore |
| 8 kanal | 1.35-1.60 crore |
It also offers commercial plots:
| Plot Size | Estimated Price |
| 4 marla | 25-40 lacs |
| 8 marla | 45-72 lacs |
| 1 kanal | 1.20-1.50 crores |
Plots in the Executive Block (which was developed in collaboration with NESPAK) and Block A will be available for possession in the next 3 years, while the remaining would be completed within 4 years.
All properties are offered on a 4-year easy installment plan with a nominal down payment – thus, even though the plots are of higher value, they can bring a greater return on investment.
The direction and pace at which housing costs of its adjoining residential and commercial projects are already changing indicate the vast potential of the Rawalpindi Ring Road. For more Rawalpindi Ring Road updates, visit Graana.com.
