A major road infrastructure scheme announced in the federal budget for fiscal year 2025-26 has yet to enter the construction stage despite the passage of eight months.
The project includes dualization of the Soan Model Town-Sihala-Kahuta Road, construction of a flyover at the Sihala Railway Crossing, and development of the Kahuta Bypass.
The federal government allocated Rs. 23.84 billion for the scheme in June 2025. The road also holds strategic importance as a defence route because it connects Kahuta with Rawalakot and Kotli in Azad Kashmir.
Limited activity has taken place on the Rawalpindi-Kahuta Road section. Authorities widened and carpeted a two-kilometer portion from Kahuta Y-Cross to Hothla Stop, but later closed the stretch after realignment and work has not resumed.
The project plan includes dualization of the entire 28.4-kilometer route from Kahuta to Rawalpindi Soan. Construction halted at Hothla Stop, while road marking for the remaining 26.4 kilometers has not been carried out. Work on the proposed flyover at Sihala Railway Crossing has also not started.
The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved the project on July 27, 2023. The federal government allocated funds in the current budget after earlier delays in implementation.
