Work

The Rawalpindi Commercial Satellite Town Market project—valued at approximately Rs. 300 million—is facing further delays due to slow underground cable installation by multiple utility departments. The initiative aims to transform the busy commercial zone into a pedestrian-only corridor, improve urban mobility, remove visual clutter, and modernize core infrastructure. However, progress has been hindered by the pace at which power, gas, and telecommunication companies are shifting their services underground.

This update summarizes the status, delays, new deadlines, local disruptions, and official interventions shaping the project’s timeline.

Background of the Car-Free Corridor Project

The Punjab government approved the conversion of the Commercial Market stretch—from Chandni Chowk Road to Rehmanabad Road—into a fully pedestrianized zone. The project is being executed by the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) through its annual development program.

The plan includes:

• Creating a vehicle-free pedestrian street
• Removing permanent and temporary encroachments
• Standardizing shop signboards
• Eliminating overhead electricity, gas, and phone lines
• Restoring walkways and corridor surfaces
• Modernizing street appearance through a structured urban design plan

The initiative aims to enhance walkability, retail environment quality, and overall commercial activity.

Delays Caused by Slow Utility Shifting

Despite the project’s importance, the pace of work by key service providers—namely IESCO, SNGPL, and PTCL—has slowed progress. Each department must lay underground ducts or shift existing infrastructure before surface construction and beautification can begin.

Where the Bottlenecks Occurred

• IESCO has been slow in burying overhead electricity cables
• SNGPL has yet to complete the relocation of natural gas pipelines
• PTCL has delayed underground telephone line shifting

Officials from RMC stated that construction cannot proceed until all underground work is fully completed, as re-digging would damage both new surface layers and utilities.

Government Intervention and Updated Deadline

To counter the delays, Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi chaired a high-level review meeting with representatives of each department. During the meeting, he issued a firm directive:

All utility providers must complete underground infrastructure installation by December 30.

A senior RMC official confirmed that this deadline is now binding so RMC can begin the final civil and beautification work immediately afterward. The original completion target for the entire project was June 30, but officials hope to finish earlier—possibly by March or April—if underground work concludes on time.

Impact on Businesses and Residents

The ongoing delays have created significant challenges for commercial activity and daily movement in the area.

Problems Faced by Traders

Shopkeepers have reported:

• Continuous construction dust
• Reduced footfall due to dug-up roads
• Disrupted access during peak shopping periods
• Customer hesitation due to lack of clean walkways

The situation is particularly difficult during peak retail seasons when the market usually sees its highest visitor flow.

Residents Affected by Congestion

Local residents also face:

• Heavy traffic congestion in inner-city routes
• Narrow passages created by excavation work
• Noise and dust throughout the day
• Limited pedestrian access in surrounding lanes

The problems are compounded by ongoing work at a second pedestrianization project in Raja Bazaar, where cable shifting is also pending.

RMC’s Position and Next Steps

RMC Municipal Officer Raffaqat Gondal confirmed that:

• Civil work will begin only after utility companies finish undergrounding
• Both Commercial Market and Raja Bazaar projects depend on timely completion of the cable-shifting phase
• RMC is prepared to mobilize teams immediately after clearance from utility departments

Concerns About Future Parking Management

One unresolved challenge is the lack of a formal parking management plan for the area once the corridor becomes car-free. Traders and visitors have expressed concerns about:

• Where customers will park
• Whether multi-story parking or designated lots will be developed
• How delivery vehicles will access shops

Officials have not yet provided details regarding parking solutions.

Why This Project Matters for Rawalpindi

The car-free corridor, once completed, is expected to:

• Reduce congestion
• Improve pedestrian safety
• Create a cleaner retail environment
• Increase commercial activity
• Support urban regeneration in central Rawalpindi

Such pedestrianization projects are common in cities aiming to modernize old commercial zones, improve air quality, and enhance retail mobility.

Related Reference for Safe City and Compliance

For Rawalpindi Islamabad Karachi and Lahore residents requiring reliable transport service during restricted-access construction periods, visit:
https://alfarooqrentacar.com/rent-a-car-rawalpindi/

Government urban planning guidelines and infrastructure standards:
https://www.ppra.org.pk/

FAQs

Why is the Rawalpindi car-free project delayed?

Delays are due to slow undergrounding of power, gas, and telephone lines by IESCO, SNGPL, and PTCL.

What is the new deadline for utility providers?

The new official deadline set by the Minister is December 30.

Will the market become fully pedestrianized?

Yes, the project aims to convert the entire Commercial Market corridor into a pedestrian-only area.

How much is the total project cost?

The project cost is approximately Rs. 300 million, funded by RMC.

When will construction work resume?

Construction will resume once all underground cable and pipeline shifting is completed.