The Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) has successfully completed the first phase of the Saddar Underground Cabling and Beautification project, a major urban transformation initiative aimed at modernizing the city’s commercial hub. With the first phase completed, efforts are now underway to secure funding for the second phase, which will expand the beautification and underground electrification work to more areas.
First Phase: A European-Style Makeover
Completed at a cost of Rs. 1.2 billion, the first phase has turned Bank Road into a European-style pedestrian street, drawing widespread public appreciation. The area now features:
Enhanced cleanliness and better waste management Decorative tiles and stylish seating benches Modern lighting for improved aesthetics and safety Wider footpaths for a pedestrian-friendly environment Uniform shop signage for a more organized commercial outlook Executive washrooms and model food kiosks for convenience A free electric shuttle service for easy movement
This transformation has significantly improved the shopping and leisure experience in Saddar, making it a more attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.
Read more: Electric shuttle service to begin in Saddar’s Pedestrian Bank Road
Second Phase: Expanding the Beautification Efforts
The second phase of the project is now in the pipeline, with a funding request of Rs. 1.5 billion submitted to the Military Lands and Cantonments Department (MLCD) and the Ministry of Defence. Once approved, the project will extend to several key roads and commercial areas, including:
Adamjee Road Kashmir Road Murree Road Saddar Haathi Chowk Hospital Road Babu Mohalla Chhota Bazaar Kabari Bazaar Coal Centre Police Station Road Railway Road and adjacent markets
The planning for this phase has been carried out under the supervision of former RCB Chief Engineer Abdul Rahim Sheikh and Senior Engineer Abdul Samad Khan. Given the large-scale coverage area, phase two is expected to take over a year to complete, though authorities are working on ways to reduce the timeline and ensure minimal disruption.
Awaiting Approval and Future Developments
According to RCB spokesperson Rasheed Saqib, work on the second phase will commence as soon as the necessary funds are approved and disbursed. The funding request has already been forwarded to MLCD, which will further process it through the Ministry of Defence and the Punjab Government.
Once completed, the second phase will not only modernize the facades of commercial buildings in Saddar but also enhance urban infrastructure, making it a more organized and aesthetically appealing business district.
Additional Urban Development Projects
In addition to the beautification project, plans are also in place for:
Underground pedestrian crossings at TM Chowk and Mall Plaza Chowk A signal-free “fish-belly” U-turn at Shalimar Chowk An underground pedestrian street between AFIC and Medicine Market
This separate initiative, estimated to cost Rs. 4.38 billion, is already in progress and is expected to be completed within three to four months.
With these ambitious projects, Rawalpindi is set to undergo a significant transformation, improving urban infrastructure and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and businesses.