RAWALPINDI:
Authorities in Rawalpindi have commenced work on the Underground Cabling, Rehabilitation and Beautification Project in some of the city’s busiest commercial hubs, including Fawara Chowk, Raja Bazaar, Dingi Khoi Chowk, and Commercial Market.
Upon completion, these areas will be designated as pedestrian-only streets. The scheme, with an estimated cost of Rs860 million, is expected to be finalised within six months.
Following the earlier underground cabling and pedestrianisation of Bank Road in Saddar, the Punjab government has now launched this ambitious initiative to modernise and beautify Rawalpindi’s main trading centres. Excavation for underground cabling has already begun, while WASA, PTCL, SNGPL, and other relevant departments have been paid demand notices for the relocation of their services.
Once the cabling stage is completed and electricity and PTCL poles are dismantled, the next phase will include road carpeting, construction of new pavements, installation of modern transformers and upgraded street lighting, provision of benches for the public, renovation and repainting of building façades, uniform shop signage, and the establishment of executive washrooms.
Municipal Officer for Infrastructure, Rafaqat Mahmood Gondal, said that the Municipal Corporation is committed to completing the project within the specified timeframe. He added that, once completed, these markets will be transformed into vibrant shopping streets, offering visitors a far more pleasant pedestrian environment.
Chief Officer of the Municipal Corporation, Imran Ali, emphasised that the Underground Cabling and Beautification Project forms part of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision, which she would personally oversee. The markets would emerge with a renewed, cleaner, and more attractive appearance, he added.
Meanwhile, President of the Central Traders Association Rawalpindi, Malik Shahid Ghafoor Pracha, urged that the project – including the pedestrianisation of Fawara Chowk, Raja Bazaar and Commercial Market – be completed in the shortest possible time so as to minimise disruption to businesses.
He noted that, once finished, commercial activity in these areas would be fully restored in an improved setting.
The Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) had finalised the long-awaited project for two of the city’s busiest commercial centres last month.
The project, modelled after similar efforts on Bank Road, Kashmir Road, and Haider Road in Saddar, includes the complete relocation of electrical and telecommunication cables underground, along with enhanced aesthetics.
According to official sources, the shopping areas will be made pedestrian-only, with all vehicular and motorcycle entry prohibited. IESCO has received payments of Rs180 million for Raja Bazaar and Rs130 million for Commercial Market to begin the underground electrical cabling. PTCL and SNGPL will be paid Rs30 million, while WASA will receive Rs5 million.
