Underground cabling project picks up pace

Project's first phase nears completion with estimated cost of Rs830m

RAWALPINDI:

The Saddar Commercial Area Underground Cabling project in Rawalpindi is nearing the completion of its first phase.

On Thursday, Defence Secretary Lt-Gen (retd) Muhammad Ali, along with Military Lands and Cantonments (MLC) Director General Major General Irfan Ahmed Malik visited the site on Bank Road to review the ongoing work.

During the inspection, Lt-Gen (retd) Muhammad Ali expressed satisfaction with the progress, calling the project "very important." Cantonment Executive Officer Ali Irfan Rizvi briefed the defence secretary on the details, confirming that the underground cabling and beautification project is set to wrap up by the last week of November.

The work involves placing all cables underground on key roads including Bank Road, Haider Road, Kashmir Road, King Road, and Mall Road.

In addition to underground cabling, tough tiles are being installed on parking areas, footpaths, and road tracks throughout Saddar. The project also includes the construction of executive-class public washrooms.

The total cost of the first phase is Rs830 million, with an additional Rs400 million allocated for beautification efforts in the area.

The defence secretary urged the team to maintain high quality and meet the scheduled deadlines. He was joined by other senior officials, including Rawalpindi Commissioner Aamir Khattak and Station Commander Brig Ahmed Nawaz, during the inspection.

This project was initiated on January 17, 2024, with a groundbreaking ceremony led by Lt-Gen (retd) Hamudul Zaman Khan, alongside the Corps Commander Rawalpindi and DGMLC. While the original completion date was set for October 31, civil work under the Cantonment Board Rawalpindi has already reached 95 per cent completion.

The removal of old transformers and installation of new ones, along with ongoing underground cabling work, is being carried out by ISCO.

Local business leaders, including Sheikh Hafeez, President of Anjuman Tajran Rawalpindi Cantt, welcomed the Defence Secretary during his visit. They expressed optimism that the completion of the project will boost business activities and provide the public with a cleaner and more pleasant shopping environment in Saddar.