Historic Raja Bazaar in Rawalpindi has faced serious flooding during the first monsoon rains. The market was flooded three times despite a major renovation project.
The redevelopment project cost Rs. 750 million and focused on remodeling and beautifying the historic commercial center. The work recently transformed the area into a pedestrian shopping street.
However, heavy rainfall exposed major drainage problems in the renovated market. Up to three feet of rain and sewage water accumulated across Raja Bazaar.
The flooding entered shops and covered large parts of the newly developed pedestrian street. Traders suffered millions of rupees in losses during the repeated flooding.
The damage has also affected parts of the recently completed beautification work. The situation has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the Rs. 750 million project.
Emergency Restoration Work Begins
Following the flooding, the district administration began emergency measures. The action was taken on the instructions of Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner.
The Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) and Municipal Corporation also joined the restoration operation. Workers focused on removing water and restoring the affected market area.
The 1,500-metre stretch between Dingi Khoi and Raja Bazaar Chowk was restored within 24 hours. Workers first removed the accumulated floodwater from the area.
The pedestrian street was then washed with clean water. Damaged lights were also replaced as part of the restoration effort.
New Drainage Project Approved
Authorities have also approved a new drainage project for Raja Bazaar. The project aims to reduce flooding during the 2027 monsoon season.
Under the plan, the main underground stormwater drain beneath Raja Bazaar will be expanded. The drain will also be deepened to improve its capacity.
A large cemented tunnel and heavy-duty pipelines are also planned. These measures are intended to move rainwater more efficiently during heavy rainfall.
Several other drainage points will also be improved. Drains at Dingi Khoi Chowk will be widened under the project.
The drainage system between Mochi Bazaar and Raja Bazaar Chowk will also receive upgrades. Work is also planned at the Namak Mandi-Raja Bazaar Junction.
Traders Demand Compensation
The repeated flooding has caused frustration among traders in the historic market. Business owners have criticized the flooding after the expensive renovation.
Traders have demanded interest-free loans to help cover their financial losses. They say repeated flooding has caused significant damage to their businesses.
The Deputy Commissioner described Raja Bazaar as the “heart of the city.” He also said the new drainage project would be completed before the next monsoon.
The flooding has created fresh questions about the Rs. 750 million redevelopment project. Authorities now face pressure to ensure the upgraded market can withstand heavy monsoon rainfall.
In other related news also read Raja Bazaar Parking Plaza Returned to RDA After Lease
The new drainage measures are expected to address the problem before the 2027 monsoon season. Their completion will be important for traders and visitors using the pedestrian shopping street.
