RAWALPINDI:
The Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has completed around 80 percent of the underground cabling and utility works in the historic Raja Bazaar and New Commercial Avenue Market.
Early work on a major beautification project has also begun, with the Rs875 million project expected to be completed by May 30.
Once completed, residents will be able to experience Raja Bazaar and the commercial market in a renewed and visually striking form by June this year, according to civic authorities.
Officials say that in the commercial stretch of Raja Bazaar – from Fawara Chowk to Dingi Khoi Chowk, an area established before the creation of Pakistan – about 80 per cent of the underground cabling has already been completed. The next phase includes the repair, restoration and improvement of facades of old buildings, installation of single-color road signs of uniform size, construction of tuff sidewalks, improvement of sidewalks, public toilets, benches, decorative lighting and installation of flower pots and green plants of different sizes.
These works have entered the initial phase of implementation and are expected to be completed by May 30, after which the area will be opened as a dedicated pedestrian street, similar to Saddar Bank Road.
Meanwhile, in the city’s busiest commercial avenue, nearly 90 percent of the work to relocate underground wiring and utilities has been completed. The Municipal Corporation has also started preliminary beautification works in this area.
Municipal Corporation Director Imran Ali said that under Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s ‘Sohna Punjab’ programme, completion of underground cabling and beautification projects of Raja Bazaar and Commercial Market by May is of exceptional importance.
He said the project would ensure improved cleanliness, improved aesthetics and a healthier urban environment for citizens.
Municipal Infrastructure Officer Rafaqat Gondal said that by June this year, Raja Bazaar and the commercial market will become very attractive destinations, encouraging citizens to prioritize shopping in these areas.
