Raja Bazaar uplift project gets May 30 deadline

Rawalpindi Division Commissioner Aamir Khattak conducted a detailed visit of the beautification and construction project site at Raja Bazaar and reviewed the pace, quality and safety arrangements of the ongoing development work. He directed that as Raja Bazaar represents the city's historical and commercial identity, the beautification work must meet modern urban requirements while preserving local culture and historical aesthetics. He said periodic site visits were aimed at ensuring quality and pace through monitoring, and stressed the use of high-quality materials in all construction activities. Public convenience should remain the top priority, he said, directing that alternative pathways be arranged for pedestrians and shopkeepers during construction and that efforts be made to minimise disruption to business. Emphasising safety, he ordered mandatory use of safety gear, helmets and jackets for all workers, along with clear signboards, barriers and proper lighting at night to prevent accidents. The commissioner said the Raja Bazaar beautification project would play a key role in transforming the area into a beautiful, safe and organised commercial centre, benefiting both the public and the trader community. Officials informed him that under the project, IESCO, WASA, Sui Gas and PTCL lines were being shifted underground. Civil beautification work has achieved 29 per cent physical progress. IESCO line shifting is 92 per cent complete, while Sui Gas stands at 97 per cent, PTCL at 95 per cent and WASA at 95 per cent. The project includes construction of arch walls, building facades, installation of tuff tiles, benches, streetlights, Victorian lights, dustbins, planters and entrance decoration. The completion deadline has been set for May 30.