Raja Bazaar, roads to get Rs6b facelift

The Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has finalised a phased schedule to complete ongoing development works, including the underground cabling and beautification of the historic Raja Bazaar and the city's busiest commercial hub, Commercial Market.

Sixteen road infrastructure schemes are underway with a saving of Rs374.69 million from the allocated Rs5,815.70 million.

The projects are expected to be completed between the end of this year and the first quarter of 2026.

According to officials, the Raja Bazaar project from Fawara Chowk to Dingi Khoi Chowk involves underground cabling, beautification, installation of streetlights, executive washrooms, pedestrian sidewalks, benches, building front renovations, tiled pathways, and uniform shop signage, costing Rs250 million.

A similar project in the Commercial Market is being executed at a cost of Rs170 million. In addition to these, work has begun on the widening, carpeting, uplifting, and beautification of 14 other city roads, including major arteries such as Holy Family Road, Sixth Road, Asghar Mall Road, and several inner-city streets.

Chief Municipal Officer Ali Imran said that RMC had managed to save Rs374.69 million from the allocated funds, and all contracts were awarded 14 to 35 per cent below the scheduled rates, resulting in significant savings.