Historic Rani Bagh set to regain its lost glory

Rani Bagh, Hyderabad's largest recreation facility established in 1861 as a botanical garden, is poised for a transformation after years of neglect.

The Project Director of Rani Bagh, Deputy Commissioner Fuad Ghaffar Soomro, has submitted a feasibility study for a revamp under a public-private partnership to the local government and housing town planning department for approval.

The comprehensive feasibility study, conducted by Karachi-based KPMG, Taseer Hadi and Co, outlines plans to upgrade Rani Bagh into a state-of-the-art destination under public-private partnership (PPP).

Spread over 54 acres, Rani Bagh boasts a zoo, mechanical rides, an open-air theatre, and picturesque lawns and gardens. The strategic location of Rani Bagh along Thandi Sarak offers visitors a direct route from the downtown area to the banks of the Indus River.

The project's timeline indicates that the PPP policy board is expected to grant approval at its meeting. The plan will then be presented at the Sindh cabinet's meeting on June 20, followed by an advertisement for bids by July 7.

According to the feasibility report, the bidding and evaluation processes will be completed by November, with the agreement scheduled for signing in December. Construction work under the PPP is projected to commence by Feb 2024, with a completion time frame of two years.

Notably, Rani Bagh will remain open to the public during the development phase, with each component being progressively made accessible to visitors.

The revamped Rani Bagh will feature an array of exciting additions, including playgrounds, family parks, nature trails, jungle spots, a boating lake, and a zoo set in a natural environment. A fun land with outdoor rides and indoor play areas will provide entertainment for visitors of all ages. Moreover, the plan incorporates pocket forests to enhance green cover in urban areas and create nature-based enterprises.

The zoo will have animal enclosures, a walk-in free-flight bird aviary, and an aquarium, all set amidst lush landscapes featuring waterfalls, plantations, and forest pockets. Other amenities encompass an indoor auditorium for meetings and performances, an amphitheatre, and a multiplex adjacent to the open-air theatre.

To cater to culinary needs, a food court with diverse kiosks managed by various franchises will serve as a central node. Additionally, tuck shops will be scattered throughout the facility.

A dedicated carnival pavilion will provide a platform for cultural expressions, music, and social gatherings, while flower and souvenir shops near Eidgah will attract buyers during festive occasions.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 9^th, 2023.