Rawalpindi:
The first phase of the Saddar wiring and underground embellishment project is over and the second phase is now planning.
A request for funding from RS1.5 billion was submitted to the Department of Military Lands and Cantonments (MLCD) and the Ministry of Defense for approval.
According to sources, the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) has executed the project into two phases in the past year to transform the entire Saddar commercial area.
The first phase, completed at the cost of RS1.2 billion, transformed Bank Road into a European -style pedestrian street, attracting special attention from the public.
The area now includes improved cleanliness, decorative tiles, elegant seats, modern lighting, large trails, uniform store signaling, executive toilets, model food kiosks and free electric shuttle service.
The second phase, estimated at 1.5 billion rupees, will extend the underground electrification and embellishment work on Adamjee Road, Cachemir Road, Murree Road, Saddar Hathi Chowk, Hospital Road, Babu Mohalla, Chhota Bazaar, Kabari Bazaar, Coal Center, police station, railway and adjacent markets.
The planning was completed under the supervision of the former chief engineer of the RCB, Abdul Rahim Sheikh, and of the main engineer Abdul Samad Khan.
However, due to the large coverage area, phase two should take more than a year, although efforts will be made to minimize the calendar.
RCB spokesperson Rasheed SAQIB said that work on phase two are starting as soon as the funds are approved and disbursements.
The funding demand of 1.5 billion rupees has been sent to MLCD, which will deal more with the Ministry of Defense and the Punjab government.
Once finished, this phase will increase the facades of commercial buildings in Saddar, giving the region a modernized look with improved installations.
In addition, plans are underway for underground pedestrian crossings in TM Chowk and Mall Plaza Chowk, a U-turn of the signal fish without signal in Shalimar Chowk, and an underground pedestrian street between AFIC and Medicine.
This project, with an estimated cost of 4.38 billion rupees, is already underway and should be completed in three to four months.
