RAWALPINDI’S BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT
The project to convert twisting lanes of almost 300 year old bazaars of the old city area to pedestrian-only heritage trail got official approval on Wednesday (30.DEC.2020).
Meanwhile, the special city beautification committee has approved the project-concept (PC) I for the conversion of streets passing through different old markets into proper walking streets.
Firstly, under the project, RDA will convert the 2.5kms long lanes and streets into proper walking streets. Starting from historic Bhabhra Bazaar to Raja Bazaar passing through Sarafa Bazaar, Dangi Khoi, Kalan Bazaar.
In the heart of the old city area of Rawalpindi is an over 230 year old locality the Bhabra Bazaar. Named after the rich Bhabra community that owned the almost two square kilometre patch of the town. It still has a number of old buildings intact which speak of the regal past of the area. The gated community secured from four entrance and exit points has many small lanes that open on to the main bazaar.
Today, the Bahabra Bazaar is a 20 feet wide. And 2km long stretch of commercial area. Moreover, it extends from Murree road to Sarafa Bazaar. The hub of gold and jewelry trading.
Above all, the city administration and the business community have joined hands to convert these ancient lanes to tourist-friendly area. Instead of demolishing these relics of past.
The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) members of civil society and urban conservation specialist have formed the beautification committee.
RAWALPINIDI’S BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT
The committee has sent the PC-I for converting the lanes of these bazaars to heritage trail to the competent authority for final approval.
The estimated cost of the project would be Rs50 million. Whereas, authorities will start it off from February 15. However, they have already approved the funds for the project.
RDA Chairman Tariq Murtaza told the sources that it was a unique project of Rawalpindi in which the administration and traders’ bodies were on-board. He added that tuff tiles would be placed on the entire path.
Under the project, they will remove all electricity and telephone poles from the route. Therefore, wiring would be laid underground.
The removal of street lights is also part of the project. Instead, the lights will be fixed on the walls of the buildings.
Murtaza said that the installation of tiles on the walkway would be done from Teli Mohalla Murree Road to Dangi Khoi Chowk.
They will ban the entry of motorcycles. There will be electric vehicles at the entry and exit of the street for the elderly, women, and children.
RDA official said that digitized advertisement boards would be installed along the street as well.
In conclusion, Rawalpindi’s beautification projects are very important for development of the city.
For more news about construction, development and infrastructure, please visit https://landster.pk/blog/You can also read https://landster.pk/2020/12/09/rda-discusses-development-projects-for-raja-bazaar/.
