RAWALPINDI, Nov 28: The Punjab government is expected to provide Rs5 billion as seed money to acquire land for Rawalpindi Ring Road project and the economic zone, two projects finalised by the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), official sources told Dawn.

The capital cost of the two projects has been estimated at Rs18 billion and is expected to be completed on the basis of build, operate and transfer (BOT) and public-private partnership in a period of four years, the sources said.

The seed money will be returned to the Punjab government within a period of 15 years in installments. The projects have been evaluated and approved by the Punjab government, they said.

According to sources, the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) would be able to generate Rs29.04 billion from the sale of plots in economic zone. The zone is likely to be established near Rawat to have links with G.T. Road as well as the motorway.

On the other hand, Rawalpindi Ring Road will have a total length of 48kms and its alignment would start from Rawat via Adiala Road, Dhamial Road, Girja Road, Chakri Road, Misrial Road up to I-15, G.T. Road and new Islamabad International Airport, sources said.

They said the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) would acquire 1,084 acres for the Ring Road project. A land-sharing formula was being worked out under which for every four kanals donated by the affected people falling in the alignment will get half a kanal in the economic zone. Ring Road will also serve as an outer boundary of Rawalpindi to regulate the growth of city.

The two key projects will have far-reaching effects on the development of Rawalpindi district which is deficient in all respects. The projects will also increase economic activities around the zone.

Water is a major factor which is hindering the development of agriculture in the entire district. The only source of water in the district being located in Potohar region is rain. The total amount of rain received by Rawalpindi is hardly sufficient for crops for individual domestic use. Construction of small dams would not only help increase agricultural activities but also save water from being run-off.

The economic zone would be a major source of income-generation, employment and improvement in the living standard of the people living in the rural areas of the district. The projects would open new vistas of development and economic well-being of the district.

The ring road is the basic need for the environment of Rawalpindi. Currently, heavy transport carrying goods from Khyber to Karachi pass through Rawalpindi putting the entire infrastructure under pressure.

The proposed Ring Road will not only ease pressure on Rawalpindi roads but help reduce pollution.