Rs. 3 Billion Parking Plaza Proposed for Rawalpindi

The Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has put forth a proposal for a Rs. 3 billion multi-story parking plaza on Jinnah Road. This move aims to tackle the parking shortage in and around Raja Bazaar. A spokesperson from the RMC revealed that the civic body has engaged NESPAK to conduct 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 not yet granted its consent.

The proposed parking plaza will be built on the site of the RMC's former office on Jinnah Road, also known as City Saddar Road. The land, spanning approximately three kanals and 10 marlas, became available after the demolition of the 145-year-old RMC building in 2016. The initial plan called for a five-story structure, including a basement. The ground floor would house shops, while the upper floors and basement would be designated for parking.

Motorcycle parking would be available for about 4,200 vehicles, while there would be space for around 1,500 cars. The project's significance has increased following the conversion of a section of Raja Bazaar, between Fawara Chowk and Hamilton Road, into a pedestrian street. This change has decreased the available parking space in the bustling commercial area. An RMC official emphasized that an additional parking facility is necessary to accommodate visitors to Raja Bazaar and the surrounding markets.

However, the proposal is still pending the approval from the Punjab government.