LAHORE: Neela Gumbad, one of the most traffic-clogged areas of Lahore, will soon undergo a major transformation into a walk-friendly zone as part of a redevelopment project launched by the Traffic Engineering and Planning Agency (TEPA).
Located between King Edward Medical University, Punjab University, Anarkali Bazaar, the Bicycle and Tyre Markets, and Bank Square, Neela Gumbad is also home to the shrine of Sufi saint Sheikh Abdul Razzak Maki.
The shrine, built in 1673 during Emperor Aurangzeb’s reign, is famous for its unique blue-tiled dome. Over the years, the site has served different purposes — from a weapons storage facility during the Sikh era to a cafeteria in the British period.
Despite its cultural and historical importance, Neela Gumbad has long suffered from encroachments, no proper parking facilities, frequent vehicle thefts, and severe traffic jams, making it one of the city’s most difficult spots for visitors.
To solve these issues, TEPA has announced a modern project modeled on European cities. The plan includes demolishing 62 shops and nine houses to build three underground basements — two for parking and one to relocate the displaced shops.
Chief Engineer TEPA Iqrar Hussain said the project would cover 16 kanals and provide parking for 374 cars and 790 motorcycles. “The first basement will have 69 shops along with parking space for 58 cars and 280 motorcycles. The two lower basements will each accommodate 158 cars and 255 motorcycles,” he explained.
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Hussain said the project will cost Rs2.45 billion and is expected to be completed in 18 months. Modern facilities will be added, including walkways, a controlled parking system, CCTV cameras, public washrooms, lifts, and an advanced firefighting system with smoke detectors, alarms, and nozzle sprays.
Two elevators with a capacity of 16 people each and multiple staircases will also be constructed.
He added that TEPA would carefully manage the safe demolition of structures, relocate utility services such as electricity, gas, and water, and replant 29 trees removed during construction. The PC-1 has been approved, and Rs300 million has already been released for the project.
“Once completed, Neela Gumbad will become Lahore’s first fully walk-friendly area and a new attraction for locals and foreign tourists,” Hussain said.
Officials believe the project will not only fix the long-standing parking and congestion problems but also revive the historical and cultural significance of Neela Gumbad, turning it into a landmark in the heart of Lahore.
