Royal Trail Package-2 nearing completion

WLCA DG says despite various hurdles, affected part of trail has been restored

LAHORE: The project to conserve and restore historic buildings on Royal Trail Package-2, from Chowk Purani Kotwali to Akbari Gate of the Lahore Fort, is nearing completion.

It comprises a representative part of the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WLCA) between the Lahore Fort and old houses built on consolidated ancient debris in narrow bazaars.

These streets are currently buzzing with commercial activity, particularly along the main road and in sub streets.

According to WLCA's spokesperson Tania Qureshi, the project area wore an untidy look due to the overhead telecom and electricity cables, which were also a safety hazard. She added that was the reason the wiring was secured and shifted to an underground network, as per modern technological guidelines.



"Despite all these hardships, electricity, telephone, TV, internet (optical fibre) systems have now been laid underground along package-2," she said. "The hanging overhead high/low tension (HT/ LT) and telecom wires are being removed to give a state-of-the-art feel to the area."

WCLA Director General Kamran Lashari said that the engineering and conservation team completed package-1 in 2015 and restarted work on package-2, which is from Chowk Kotwali to Masti Gate. "Despite various hurdles, this part of the trail has been restored. It is an achievement."

Main monuments on this patch are the Chunna Mandi College, Mariam Zamani Mosque and Janam Asthan of Guru Arjun Ram. “These will be open for tourists after the completion of the trail patch,” said Lashari.



In late 2014, the Punjab government provided Rs770 million to the WCLA to restore buildings located on the Royal Trail.

The area goes from Kotwali to Masti Gate through Chuna Mandi Chowk and Moti Bazaar and Purani Kotwali Chowk to Sonehri Mosque via Dabbi Bazaar.



The funds were approved by the Planning and Development Department. About Rs667 million was provided for infrastructure development, while Rs103 million was earmarked for uplifting the facade.

Royal Trail or Shahi Guzargah is a heritage path that leads from Delhi Gate to Lahore Fort. This was the route once followed by Mughal emperors when they came to Lahore from Delhi.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 7^th, 2017.