FWO Gets Rs. 22.8B Ring Road Project Contract

FWO Gets Rs. 22.8B Ring Road Project Contract

# FWO Gets Rs. 22.8B Ring Road Project Contract **RAWALPINDI**

The Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) was awarded the contract to begin construction of the much-anticipated Rawalpindi Ring Road (R3) project on Wednesday. The R3 project is expected to cost Rs22.8 billion.

However, during a visit to the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) headquarters on Wednesday, a Chinese firm delegation expressed interest in the Lai Nullah Expressway and flood channel projects.

According to RDA Chief Engineer Dr. Habibul Haq Randhawa, who is also the R3 project's deputy project director, the Rawalpindi Ring Road contract was awarded to the FWO for Rs22.8 billion.

He stated that the FWO was the lowest bidder after the committee opened technical and financial bids in the presence of key officials and submitted a price of Rs300 million less than the expected cost.

According to clause No. 26 (B) of the general tender guidance, the FWO has been asked to provide performance security in the form of cash, pay order, or bank guarantee (on stamp paper) from any scheduled bank in Pakistan within 15 days of the issuance of this letter in favor of the project director, Project Management Unit (PMU), Rawalpindi Ring Road.

Furthermore, sources say that the Punjab government has set aside Rs4 billion for the R3 project, while the RDA will provide Rs3.5 billion for equipment mobilization to FWO, the R3 contractor. According to them, the government has been urged to use the **Rs4 billion budget by June 30, 2022**, with the **RDA contributing Rs500 million** for the initial work.

While land acquisition in the area has begun, work on the R3 project is expected to begin next month. The Ring Road from Banth to Thalian would cover a total of 8,992 kanals. The Punjab government set aside Rs5.913 billion for land acquisition for the 38.3-kilometer route, with Rs2.39 billion already spent.

Rawalpindi Ring Road would have six lanes and four interchanges on Banth-Chak Beli Khan Road, Adiala Road, Chakri Road, and Thalian. As a result of the project, a major controversy involving several PTI leaders and top government officials erupted earlier this year. A Chinese delegation pays the RDA a visit, A delegation led by China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) Chief Executive Officer Chang Chun paid a visit to the Rawalpindi Development Authority and met with its chairman, Tariq Mehmood Murtaza. The delegation expressed interest in collaborating on major infrastructure projects such as the Rawalpindi Ring Road and the Leh Nullah Expressway. Speaking on the occasion, the RDA chairman stated that the two countries' long-standing ties were built on solid foundations and that their friendship will only grow stronger with the passage of time.

He stated that China has assisted Pakistan with a number of development projects, including the New Islamabad Airport, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and the Covid-19 epidemic. The gathering was informed that tangible actions will be taken through a public-private partnership to create new construction facilities.

Wang Weiwei, manager of the China State Construction Engineering Corporation's marketing department, and retired Brig Nusratullah, a former CDA member, were also present. For the more latest news, stay tuned to https://landmarketing.com.pk/blog