Pindi completes first phase of cabling project

Second phase of Saddar beautification scheme awaits Rs1.5 billion approval

RAWALPINDI:

The first phase of the Saddar Underground Cabling and Beautification project has been completed and the second phase is now in planning.

A funding request of Rs1.5 billion has been submitted to the Military Lands and Cantonments Department (MLCD) and the Ministry of Defence for approval.

According to sources, the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) has been executing the project in two phases over the past year to transform the entire Saddar commercial area.

The first phase, completed at a cost of Rs1.2 billion, has turned Bank Road into a European-style pedestrian street, attracting significant public attention.

The area now features enhanced cleanliness, decorative tiles, stylish seating benches, modern lighting, wide footpaths, uniform shop signage, executive washrooms, model food kiosks, and a free electric shuttle service.

The second phase, estimated to cost Rs1.5 billion, will extend the underground electrification and beautification work to Adamjee Road, Kashmir Road, Murree Road, Saddar Haathi Chowk, Hospital Road, Babu Mohalla, Chhota Bazaar, Kabari Bazaar, Coal Centre, Police Station Road, Railway Road, and adjacent markets.

The planning has been completed under the supervision of former RCB Chief Engineer Abdul Rahim Sheikh and Senior Engineer Abdul Samad Khan.

However, due to the extensive coverage area, phase two is expected to take over a year to complete, though efforts will be made to minimise the timeline.

RCB spokesperson Rasheed Saqib stated that work on phase two will commence as soon as the funds are approved and disbursed.

The Rs1.5 billion funding request has been forwarded to MLCD, which will further process it through the Ministry of Defence and the Punjab Government.

Once completed, this phase will uplift the facades of commercial buildings in Saddar, giving the area a modernised look with improved facilities.

Additionally, plans are underway for underground pedestrian crossings at TM Chowk and Mall Plaza Chowk, a signal-free fish-belly U-turn at Shalimar Chowk, and an underground pedestrian street between AFIC and Medicine Market.

This project, with an estimated cost of Rs4.38 billion, is already in progress and is expected to be completed within three to four months.