The Punjab government has fixed a new deadline of December 30 for utility companies to underground electricity and telephone cables in Commercial Market, where pedestrianization and beautification work is underway.
The Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) began the Rs. 300 million project last month to convert Commercial Market in Satellite Town into a car-free pedestrian street. The plan includes removing encroachments, taking down hanging cables, and standardizing shop signboards.
However, progress has slowed due to delays from Islamabad Electricity Supply Company (Iesco), Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), and Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), which are responsible for shifting their service lines underground.
Gas pipelines also need to be relocated before surface work can begin. During a review meeting chaired by Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, officials were directed to finish all underground work by December 30 so RMC can start the beautification phase.
The original completion deadline for the pedestrian street was June 30, but the minister wants it finished by March or April.
RMC officials acknowledged that traders are frustrated by the slow pace, saying dug-up roads have reduced footfall. They added that shop signboards will be redesigned in a uniform style, and plaza owners have been instructed to whitewash their buildings to meet the new guidelines.
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A very good step by the government, but the main issue is the parkings which should also be taken care of