RAWALPINDI: The Utility Services Department has demanded over Rs100 million for the relocation of electricity, telephone, natural gas, sewerage and water supply lines.

Following the request, the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has forwarded the demand to the Punjab government for approval.

Raja Bazaar is planned to be turned into a vehicle-free zone from Fawara Chowk to Hamilton Road, commonly known as Dingi Khoi.

A survey was completed to estimate the cost of underground cabling in the 350-meter section of the road.

The beautification plan will be launched after the underground cabling project.

To address parking issues, the RMC has proposed a plan to convert 12 kanals of land at Jinnah Road, commonly known as City Saddar Road, into a parking plaza and has sent the proposal to the Punjab government for funds.

After turning a portion of Raja Bazaar into a pedestrian street, the administration will allocate Namak Mandi for parking motorcycles and cars.

When contacted, RMC Chief Municipal Officer Imran Ali said that the beautification plan was completed and sent to the Punjab government for approval.

He said that all electricity, gas, PTCL and water supply lines from Fawwara Chowk to Hamilton Road are being laid underground, which will not only enhance the beauty of the area but also provide better facilities to the citizens.

“It has been decided to build a model market in the area, which will be equipped with modern facilities. Tuff tiles are also being installed to improve roads to make it easier for pedestrians,” he said.

A senior official of district administration told Dawn that Raja Bazaar has been declared a pedestrian-only street and it would be turned into a model bazaar in the garrison city.

He said that the district administration, the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), RMC and the traffic police have started working on the execution of the Raja Bazaar beautification project.

He said four parking sites were created for the parking of motorcycles and cars at Fawara Chowk Parking Plaza, the vacant plot of RMC’s old offices, Namak Mandi and Gunjmandi police station’s backyard on the bank of Nullah Leh.

On the other hand, the district administration has allowed the shopkeepers to open the road at night for loading and unloading of goods.

Published in Dawn, March 8th, 2025