RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has planned to launch a Rs470 million beautification project and establish a car-free zone in Raja Bazaar — from Fawara Chowk to Hamilton Road — after 12 Rabiul Awal.

The corporation has also instructed utility service providers to complete their preparatory work.

RMC has finalised the beautification project for Raja Bazaar, from Fawara Chowk to Hamilton Road, commonly known as Dingi Khoi, despite objections from local traders.

In January, Raja Bazaar was declared a vehicle-free zone from Fawara Chowk to Hamilton Road, and RMC had announced plans to begin beautification work before Eidul Fitr. However, work has yet to start.

A senior RMC official told Dawn that the delay was due to changes in the plan to lay underground electricity cables in the area.

Iesco will lay underground electricity cables along one-kilometre road at a cost of Rs200 million

RMC Chief Municipal Officer Imran Ali said the project had been finalised, and RMC Administrator Amir Khattak had decided to commence work after 12 Rabiul Awal.

He said there were two reasons for waiting until after Rabiul Awal. First one was the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) on August 14, during which a procession will pass through this route, and the second was the 12 Rabiul Awal.

“We have made payments to Iesco, PTCL and Wasa for shifting utility services. Rs250 million will be spent on relocating services, including electricity, gas, telephone and water and sewer lines, while Rs220 million will be spent on beautification work,” he said.

He added that Iesco will lay underground electricity cables along the one-kilometre road at a cost of Rs200 million. SNGPL and PTCL have been paid Rs30 million each for relocating their services, while Rs5 million has been provided to Wasa for shifting water supply lines.

Under the scheme, all lampposts will be replaced, benches will be installed, washrooms for both women and men will be constructed, old buildings will be restored, green plants will be planted, and signboards will be changed to create a family-friendly environment in the bazaar.

The beautification work will be carried out by the district administration, the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), the RMC and other departments.

According to the plan, a special traffic management strategy will be devised, with more space allocated for car and motorcycle parking. It has also been decided to construct a model market in the area, equipped with modern facilities to attract tourists.

On the other hand, Traders Action Committee President Anjum Pervaiz Bhatti told Dawn that traders had given the local administration until August 15 to reopen Raja Bazaar for general traffic. Otherwise, they would start protests.

He said that rented shops are beginning to empty, businesses have been destroyed, and shop owners are being forced to lay off employees due to declining sales.

He added that traffic from many parts of the city passing through Raja Bazaar has been severely affected, and traders are not being allowed access to their own areas.

Despite warnings, he said, the divisional commissioner, who is also the municipal corporation’s administrator, has not invited traders for talks.

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2025