Rawalpindi Commercial Market to Become Car-Free Zone as New Deadline Announced
Rawalpindi’s famous Commercial Market in Satellite Town is set to transform into a car-free pedestrian zone, with the Punjab government pushing forward a major beautification and underground utility project. Authorities have now fixed December 30 as the new deadline for shifting all electricity, gas, and telecommunication lines underground—an essential step before surface development can begin.
This ambitious project aims to make one of Rawalpindi’s busiest shopping hubs cleaner, safer, and more attractive for visitors.
Background: A Rs300 Million Transformation Plan
The Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) launched a Rs300 million project to redesign Commercial Market into a pedestrian-only street. The initiative focuses on improving the market’s overall look, easing congestion, and promoting a modern shopping environment.
Key components of the plan include:
- Removal of roadside encroachments
- Shifting electricity and PTCL cables underground
- Installation of standardized shop signboards
- Whitewashing and facelift of plazas and buildings
The pedestrian street was originally expected to be completed by June 30. However, authorities now aim to finish it by March or April, provided utilities meet the revised undergrounding deadline.
December 30 Deadline for Underground Cables
The progress of the project heavily relies on three major utility departments:
- Iesco (electricity)
- SNGPL (natural gas)
- PTCL (telecom services)
In a review meeting chaired by Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, all departments were instructed to complete the underground wiring, gas line shifting, and utility adjustments by December 30. Once this groundwork is cleared, RMC will immediately start the beautification and surface construction phase.
Scope of the Pedestrian Street Project: Commercial Market Rawalpindi
The pedestrianization plan spans the stretch from Chandni Chowk Road to Rehmanabad Road. Once completed, Commercial Market will offer:
- Safe, family-friendly walking spaces
- A completely vehicle-free shopping zone
- Clean, uniform and modern shopfronts
- Improved lighting and organized layout
The project aims to convert the market into a model commercial street—more visually appealing and convenient for shoppers.
Delays & Challenges Slowing Down Progress
Despite the vision behind the project, multiple challenges have caused delays:
- Slow utility work by Iesco, SNGPL, and PTCL
- Roads dug up for weeks, leading to severe traffic congestion
- Traders reporting falling customer footfall
- No proper alternative parking plan
- Simultaneous execution of similar work in Raja Bazaar, creating further blockages and public frustration
Residents say the city feels choked, especially during office hours, due to ongoing construction and detours.
Concerns from Traders and Residents
Shopkeepers in both Commercial Market and Raja Bazaar have expressed concerns over declining sales due to reduced accessibility.
Residents report issues such as:
- Long traffic jams
- Dust pollution
- Broken and uneven roads
- Damage to cars and motorcycles due to open trenches
Many have asked the government to avoid starting multiple major projects at once, suggesting that each should be completed before the next begins.
RMC’s Response to Complaints
According to RMC officials:
- Beautification will start right after underground work is completed.
- Traders have already been taken into confidence.
- Shopkeepers must replace their signboards with uniform, RMC-approved designs.
- Plaza owners have been asked to whitewash and clean their buildings to match the upgraded street aesthetics.
RMC says all groundwork is ready, and the remaining utility work is the only obstacle.
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Expected Benefits After Completion
Once completed, the Commercial Market transformation is expected to create:
- A clean, organized, modern shopping destination
- A safe, pedestrian-only zone free from vehicle chaos
- Better lighting and attractive, uniform storefronts
- Increased tourism and footfall
- Long-term business growth for traders
- A model pedestrian street that can inspire similar projects across Punjab
The project aims to make Commercial Market a vibrant, family-friendly spot rather than just another crowded shopping area.
Conclusion
If the utility departments meet the December 30 deadline, Rawalpindi could soon witness one of Punjab’s most attractive pedestrian shopping zones. Although the current construction has caused inconvenience, the long-term benefits promise a cleaner, safer, and more organized market for both shoppers and traders.
