The bustling Bank Road in Saddar has been converted into a pedestrian street by the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB), with the major objective of establishing a safer, car-free space for shoppers and visitors. Huts selling food, benches for relaxing, and aesthetic touches like vintage-themed decorations have been added, drawing praise from visitors for the revamped atmosphere.
The remodelling project of Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) entails the full removal of motorized vehicles, expanded car parking and undergrounding of electric cables. To further facilitate the citizens, a shuttle service comprising electric vehicles will be started soon.
The remodeling project cost about Rs. 350.0 million for the civil works done by Rawalpindi Cantonment Board and Rs. 750.0 million for electrical works undergrounding electric cable etc., done by the IESCO. For redressal of the crowd management and the traffic congestion in Saddar areas, the Cantt Board has broadly categorized three parking areas, one for each section.
“More than 400 vehicles can be parked in Potohar-1 parking whereas Potohar-2 which can accommodate 220 plus vehicles, is further being expanded. Varan Bus Station has also been made available for parking having a parking capacity of 300 plus vehicles,” said the Rawalpindi Cantt Board chief.
However, while visitors have welcomed the initiative for its charm and comfort, shopkeepers on Bank Road have expressed serious concerns. They claim that the pedestrian zone is hurting their businesses by making access difficult due to the lack of nearby parking.
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Shopkeepers argue that customers are discouraged from visiting the area because they are required to park at a significant distance and walk over a kilometer. General Secretary of the Cantonment Traders Association, Zafar Qadri, described the move as impractical, citing an increase in traffic congestion on nearby roads like Murree Road, Haider Road, and Kashmir Road.
According to Mr. Qadri, over 2,000 cars used to enter Bank Road daily, with hundreds of vehicles parking in plazas such as Rania Plaza, Gakhar Plaza, and City Plaza, as well as on Bank Road itself. However, the closure of the road has shifted the burden to other congested areas, as existing parking spaces cannot accommodate the overflow. He also emphasized that many shopkeepers are now sitting idle, with customers moving to alternative shopping areas such as Satellite Town and Islamabad.
Residents and visitors, on the other hand, expressed admiration for the pedestrian-friendly street. Muhammad Imran, a visitor, appreciated the aesthetic improvements, particularly the sitting areas and vintage-themed ambiance. However, he echoed the concerns about inadequate parking, noting that having to park far from the street and walk took up unnecessary time.
This isn’t the first time Bank Road has turned into a pedestrian-only zone. A similar initiative in 2015 also faced backlash from shopkeepers and was rolled back after just a year. The RCB has now extended the car-free zone to a 1.1km stretch from Murree Road to Capital Cinema Square. Enhancements include uniform shop signboards, stylish lampposts, and designated sitting areas around landmarks such as the Singapore Plaza.
While visitors appreciate the peaceful, car-free environment, the project’s sustainability may hinge on the administration’s ability to address key logistical issues like parking and access, balancing the needs of shoppers, shopkeepers, and the community at large.