The Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has proposed a Rs3 billion multi-storey parking plaza on Jinnah Road to address the growing parking crisis around Raja Bazaar.
The proposed project is aimed at providing additional parking space for shoppers, traders and visitors in one of Rawalpindi’s busiest commercial areas.
A senior RMC official said the civic body had engaged NESPAK to prepare a feasibility study for the project. The study was completed last year and submitted to the Punjab government for approval.
However, the provincial government has yet to approve the project. The proposed parking plaza will therefore depend on the Punjab government’s final decision before construction can begin.
The plaza is planned on the site of the RMC’s old office on Jinnah Road, also known as City Saddar Road. The land covers approximately three kanals and 10 marlas.
The 145-year-old RMC building was demolished in 2016. The civic body had subsequently planned to use the site for a multi-storey parking facility to address parking shortages in the area.
Under the initial proposal, the plaza would have five storeys, including a basement. The ground floor would be used for shops, while the basement and remaining floors would provide parking facilities.
The proposed facility could accommodate around 4,200 motorcycles and 1,500 cars at one time. This capacity could provide significant relief to visitors and traders dealing with limited parking space around Raja Bazaar.
The project has gained further importance after part of Raja Bazaar was converted into a pedestrian street. The section between Fawara Chowk and Hamilton Road now has reduced parking availability.
The pedestrianisation project has improved space for pedestrians but has also increased pressure on parking facilities in surrounding areas. Traders and visitors have faced greater difficulty finding suitable parking near the busy markets.
An RMC official said another dedicated parking facility is essential to meet the needs of people visiting Raja Bazaar and nearby commercial markets.
The proposed plaza could also help reduce roadside parking and traffic congestion if sufficient parking capacity is provided. It may provide a more organized alternative for motorists and motorcycle users.
However, the project remains at the proposal stage. The Punjab government must approve the plan before RMC can proceed with its implementation.
If approved, the Rs3 billion project could become an important infrastructure development for Rawalpindi’s congested commercial centre.
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