Rawalpindi proposes Rs3 billion parking plaza for Raja Bazaar

The Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has proposed a Rs3 billion multi-storey parking plaza on Jinnah Road to mitigate a growing parking crisis in the Raja Bazaar commercial area. The project is intended to provide relief for shoppers, traders, and visitors following the conversion of a section of Raja Bazaar into a pedestrian street, which has increased pressure on surrounding parking facilities.

The proposed facility would be built on the site of the former RMC office and is designed to include five storeys, including a basement. If constructed, the plaza could accommodate approximately 4,200 motorcycles and 1,500 cars. While a feasibility study by NESPAK was completed last year, the project currently awaits final approval from the Punjab government.

Local traders have noted that the shortage of parking, combined with rising business costs, is making it increasingly difficult for customers to visit the hub. While the Rawalpindi Development Authority currently manages a plaza with a capacity of around 1,000 vehicles, stakeholders believe additional capacity is essential to sustain the area's commercial activity.