RAWALPINDI: Work has begun on the Underground Cabling, Rehabilitation and Beautification Project in some of Rawalpindi’s busiest commercial areas, including Fawara Chowk, Raja Bazaar, Dingi Khoi Chowk, and Commercial Market.
The Rs860 million project aims to modernise and beautify these key trading hubs. Once completed in six months, these areas will be pedestrian-only streets, with vehicles and motorcycles strictly prohibited.
This initiative follows the earlier development of Bank Road in Saddar, where underground cabling and pedestrianisation were successfully carried out.
Excavation for underground cabling has already started, and WASA, PTCL, SNGPL, and other departments have been paid to relocate their services.
After completing the cabling and removing electricity and PTCL poles, the second phase will include:
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Road carpeting and new pavements
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Modern transformers and upgraded streetlights
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Benches for the public
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Renovation and repainting of building façades
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Uniform shop signage
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Executive washrooms
Municipal Officer for Infrastructure Rafaqat Mahmood Gondal said the project would be finished within the given timeframe and would turn these markets into vibrant pedestrian shopping streets.
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Municipal Corporation Chief Officer Imran Ali said the scheme is part of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision and that she will personally monitor its progress.
President of the Central Traders Association Rawalpindi Malik Shahid Ghafoor Pracha urged authorities to complete the project as quickly as possible to reduce business disruptions. He said commercial activity would resume in an improved and more attractive environment once the work is completed.
According to official sources, IESCO has been paid Rs180 million for Raja Bazaar and Rs130 million for Commercial Market for underground electrical cabling. PTCL and SNGPL will receive Rs30 million, while WASA will get Rs5 million to shift their networks.
The project is based on earlier upgrades carried out on Bank Road, Kashmir Road, and Haider Road in Saddar, aiming to give Rawalpindi’s major markets a cleaner and modern look.
