Punjab Province

Rawalpindi | ReNews Pakistan 

The opening of the Rawalpindi Ring Road (RRR) has been rescheduled to the first half of November, with officials citing the ongoing completion of toll systems and electronic collection facilities as the reason for the delay. The main 38.3-kilometer carriageway between Baanth and Thalian is complete, as are fencing and horticulture work along the corridor. The project had previously missed its August 14 opening target.

According to reports from October 20, the primary remaining tasks involve the installation of toll booths at Baanth and Thalian, along with the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) and Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) facilities. Deputy Project Director Ashfaq Sulheri indicated that these systems would require approximately two more weeks to become operational. The government’s target for opening the road remains within the first or second week of November.

While the main road surface is ready, a completed carriageway cannot be fully opened for general traffic without functional entry, exit, and toll arrangements. The Thalian interchange is being developed as a separate, larger project and is expected to commence its remaining works after the main Ring Road opens. Motorists will need to adhere to the access arrangements officially notified by the authority during the initial days of operation, rather than relying on maps of a fully finished interchange.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan

The Punjab cabinet has approved Rs 60 billion for the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar programme. Under the programme, the Bank of Punjab will provide 40,000 housing loans to help families meet the cost of building their homes.

According to Radio Pakistan, the approval was granted at a provincial cabinet meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in Lahore. The Bank of Punjab will play a central role in providing loans under the approved financing package.

Access to finance is an important step for families seeking to build a home. Loans provided through the programme could help beneficiaries meet construction expenses, while the release of funds to borrowers will be a key stage in implementing the approved package.

The report outlined the provision of 40,000 housing loans but did not specify a disbursement timeline or provide further details about application procedures and beneficiary selection.

At the same meeting, the cabinet also approved the establishment of horticulture authorities in 20 districts across Punjab. Alongside housing finance, the decisions include an expansion of the administrative framework for horticulture and urban green spaces.