Punjab Plans New Underground Parking Plaza in Lahore

The Punjab government has proposed a new underground parking plaza in Lahore to tackle the persistent parking issues in a busy area between Data Darbar and Bhatti Gate. The project, which requires 22 kanals of land, has been presented to the chief minister for approval and is estimated to cost over Rs. 8.225 billion. The Lahore Development Authority and Traffic Engineering and Planning Agency have calculated the expense.

The LDA director general is seeking permission to include the project in the current financial year's development plan and to allocate funds for its construction. The planned facility will have three underground levels, an intelligent transportation system, automated parking, and charging stations for electric vehicles. It is designed to hold 600 cars and 1,700 motorcycles, providing parking for visitors, residents, and businesses near Data Darbar.

This proposal follows similar projects like the Bhati Underpass and Data Darbar upgrade. The government is also considering assigning the construction to TEPA instead of the LDA Engineering Wing. The project will move forward if approved by the necessary authorities.