Raja Bazaar set for opening after facelift

Revamp transforms centuries-old market into pedestrian-only zone, food street

RAWALPINDI:

The three-century-old historic Chhapar Raja Bazaar has been transformed into a modern European-style pedestrian commercial centre and is ready for inauguration with a new look.

Political rallies and protests in Raja Bazaar, long considered the centre of political and religious demonstrations in Rawalpindi, have been declared prohibited.

The project carries an estimated cost of Rs500 million and is scheduled to be inaugurated next week. Preparations for the opening ceremony have been completed. Following the inauguration, Raja Bazaar will be opened to citizens and families. Motorcycles and vehicles will not be allowed.

The stretch from Fawara Chowk to Dingi Khoi Chowk will function as a complete pedestrian market, food street and wholesale-retail centre for daily-use commodities.

Electricity, gas, telephone and internet cables, along with utility poles, have been shifted underground. Sewerage and drainage systems have also been moved below ground. The project to convert the Hamilton Road section from Fawara Chowk to Dingi Khoi into a modern pedestrian walkway cost approximately Rs450 million to Rs500 million.

Of this amount, Rs170 million was spent by Iesco on shifting underground electricity cables, Rs50 million by WASA on relocating water lines and Rs240 million by the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation on beautification, roads, footpaths and drains.

Old lamp posts have been replaced, separate washrooms for men and women have been constructed and benches installed for visitors. Historic buildings in the market have been renovated and shop signboards redesigned.

Modern facilities have been provided for pedestrians, while flower beds, trees and other decorative features have been added, significantly enhancing the beauty of the Storied bazaar.

Municipal Officer Infrastructure Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation Rafaqat Hayat Gondal said the new Raja Bazaar would provide shoppers and residents with a better, safer and more pleasant environment. Citizens would be able to see the city's historic commercial centre in a modern and attractive form.

For more than 150 years, Raja Bazaar has served as a wholesale trading centre for Rawalpindi Division, Azad Kashmir and Hazara Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where essential goods are available at lower prices than in ordinary markets.

Raja Bazaar has also remained a major political centre, with many political movements beginning there. Following the renovation, political activities, demonstrations and rallies will be prohibited, and the area will function solely as a commercial hub.