Funds shortage slows Lahore Walled City restoration

WCLA seeks billions from Punjab govt to complete Phase-I projects by December

LAHORE:

The plan to restore Lahore's Walled City to its original character is facing delays due to a shortage of funds, with the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) seeking billions of rupees from the Punjab government to complete ongoing Phase-I projects by December 2026.

The projects include an underground parking plaza at Neela Gumbad, estimated to cost Rs2.4 billion, for which an additional Rs500 million is required.

Another underground parking plaza at Nasir Bagh, costing Rs1.6 billion, needs a further Rs600 million.

The work also includes improving the appearance of surrounding buildings.

The authority has sought Rs600 million for Shah Alam Market to improve building facades, shift electricity wires underground and repair the sewerage system.

Around Rs500 million is required to improve the appearance of historic city gates and move electricity wires underground.

The sites include Yakki Gate, Taksali Gate, Mochi Gate and the Spice Market.

A further Rs13 billion is required for underground parking plazas and shops at Mochi Gate, Sheranwala Gate and Taksali Gate.

Work on these projects has slowed, while delays could increase their overall cost.

The WCLA has requested the provincial government to release the required funds to meet the December 2026 completion deadline.

Azeem Dad, director of the WCLA's department responsible for the conservation of historic buildings, said development work was progressing under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and the directions of the authority's director general.

He expressed confidence that the projects would be completed within the stipulated timeframe, adding that the authority had requested funds from the Punjab government and work would accelerate once the money was released.