RAWALPINDI:
The Underground Electrification and Uplifting Beautification project at Bank Road in Saddar has been inaugurated.
The first phase of the project was officially launched by Secretary of Defence, Lt-Gen (retd) Muhammad Ali, and Rawalpindi Corps Commander, Lt-Gen Shahid Imtiaz. The initial phase has been completed at a cost of Rs1.2 billion, while the second phase is projected to cost Rs1.5 billion. During the inauguration ceremony, dignitaries and guests reviewed the one-kilometre Bank Road project via a shuttle service.
The station commander and cantonment executive officer provided a detailed briefing, stating that the complete underground cabling, beautification, and infrastructure upgrade of Saddar’s commercial area will be executed in two phases. The project encompasses road infrastructure, footpaths, sewage systems, lighting, benches, executive washrooms, parking areas, and food cabins.
Bank Road, home to nearly a thousand shops, has now been transformed into a state-of-the-art pedestrian-friendly commercial street, earning praise from the public. The first phase of the project was completed within a year, while efforts are underway to secure funding for the second phase.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Zaman, DG Military Lands & Cantonments Major General Irfan Ahmed Malik, Punjab Chief Secretary Hamid Zaman, MNAs Malik Abrar Ahmed and Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry, MPAs Malik Mansoor Afzar and Chaudhry Imran Ilyas.
