The Punjab government is preparing a major plan to build new parking infrastructure in Lahore, including another large parking plaza, as it looks to tackle worsening congestion, illegal parking and traffic chaos in busy commercial areas.
According to officials, work has started on a broader strategy to create a long-term solution to parking shortages in Lahore and other parts of Punjab.
The plan includes modern underground and smart parking systems for inner Lahore, the Walled City and other high-traffic business zones.
As part of the proposed expansion, a new parking plaza is set to be developed at Bhati Gate. With this addition, the total number of underground parking plazas in Lahore is expected to reach seven.
Sources said two parking plazas being managed by TEPA are already under construction, while two more projects are also progressing at different stages in Lahore. Authorities have also issued instructions for parking plazas at two additional sites in the Walled City.
The Walled City Authority has been tasked with identifying land and completing feasibility and initial technical work for the projects. Engineering, design and construction responsibilities have been assigned to the Lahore Development Authority.
The government is also working on a wider province-wide plan for parking plazas in other old and heritage cities facing similar problems. Deputy commissioners from cities struggling with parking shortages have been asked to submit proposals.
Officials say more than 20 parking plazas could be included in the next financial year’s annual development program. The final list of projects will be prepared after input from the relevant authorities, district governments and technical bodies, and then placed before the LDA for approval.
Once the projects receive final clearance, funds are expected to be allocated in the next budget.
