Rawalpindi’s busy Raja Bazaar is facing increasing parking challenges following the transformation of the area between Fawara Chowk and Hamilton Road into a pedestrian street.
While the revamp was intended to improve the shopping environment and make the commercial area more convenient for pedestrians, the changes have also increased pressure on nearby parking facilities, particularly during busy hours.
The existing parking plaza managed by the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) can accommodate around 1,000 vehicles, but traders and visitors say the facility is not enough to meet demand in one of the city’s busiest commercial centres.
To address the shortage, the Rawalpindi Metropolitan Corporation (RMC) has proposed constructing a new multi-storey parking plaza on Jinnah Road. The proposed project is estimated to cost around Rs3 billion and is still awaiting approval from the Punjab government.
If approved and completed, the proposed parking facility could provide space for thousands of motorcycles and cars, potentially easing pressure on surrounding roads and commercial areas.
Local traders say limited parking, combined with rising operating and business costs, is making it more difficult for customers to visit Raja Bazaar and affecting businesses in the area. The proposed project is therefore being closely watched by traders, residents and visitors who hope additional parking capacity can improve access to the popular commercial hub.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available reports. The accompanying image is AI-generated and provided for illustrative purposes only.
