RAWALPINDI: As the sun began to set over the garrison city, Bank Road in Saddar came alive with the sound of music and the delicious smells wafting from the various food stalls.

The Bank Road was declared a walking street last week, with the completion of the Saddar food street project. Under the project, numerous eateries on this road renovated their buildings, giving them a traditional look inspired by local and Kashmiri architecture.

Visitors may park their vehicles on Haider Road and walk from Kashmir Road to Hospital Road. Walking down the street one can see the ornate wooden balconies with traditional stained glass windows hanging from some buildings, while wrought iron balconies adorn others. A clock tower has also been built at a crossing on Bank Road.

Some stalls selling ice-cream, chaat, burgers and barbeque have been operating in this area for decades; the RCB has built colourful wooden stalls for these shops to operate from.

Outdoor seating has been set up outside the National Bank of Pakistan building, around a 100-year-old peepal tree. One side has been reserved for artists and space would be provided to musicians, jugglers and other street performers which would add to the festive atmosphere of the food street.

Another exciting feature for those interested in the history of the area are the pictures of Bank Road from 1876 and other old pictures, which have been displayed at various places. A replica of a Ford 1908 car has also been installed on the main road.

When contacted, RCB Cantonment Executive Officer Fahim Zafar Khan said the RCB spent Rs20 million on this project, which had been completed within six months.

The officer said the basic aim of establishing a pedestrian food street is to improve the recreational facilities available for people in the garrison city. “In Ramazan, the food street will remain open from Iftar to Sehri and people will be able to enjoy food at Iftar and Sehri times,” he said.

He added that from morning till evening, the road will be open to vehicular traffic. “At 7pm, the street will be closed to traffic,” he said.

Mr Khan said that numerous steps have been taken to improve hygiene at restaurants and provide residents with healthy food.

“All food vendors and bakeries in Saddar have been instructed to comply with the cleanliness and hygiene rules under food laws. They have been instructed to ensure vaccination of workers in the shops, clean kitchens, seating areas and furniture, use of only fresh and hygienic ingredients and provision of disposable head covers and gloves to the workers,” he said.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2015

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