Rawalpindi’s Famous Bazaar Gets European-Style Makeover

Rawalpindi’s three-century-old Raja Bazaar has been transformed into a modern pedestrian commercial center and is ready for inauguration next week.

The upgraded bazaar, redesigned on the pattern of a European-style walking street, will be opened to citizens and families after the inauguration. Motorcycles and vehicles will not be allowed in the area.

The project covers the stretch from Fawara Chowk to Dingi Khoi Chowk on Hamilton Road, which has been converted into a pedestrian market, food street, and wholesale-retail center for daily-use items.

The renovation project cost around Rs. 450 million to Rs. 500 million. Of the total amount, IESCO spent Rs. 170 million on shifting electricity cables underground, and WASA spent Rs. 50 million on relocating water lines, while the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation spent Rs. 240 million on beautification, roads, footpaths, and drains.

As part of the upgrade, electricity, gas, telephone, and internet cables, along with utility poles, have been shifted underground. Sewerage and drainage systems have also been moved below ground to improve the overall infrastructure of the market.

Old lamp posts have been replaced, separate washrooms for men and women have been built, and benches have been installed for visitors.

Historic buildings in the bazaar have also been renovated, while shop signboards have been redesigned to give the market a uniform and modern look.

Flower beds, trees, and other decorative features have been added to improve the appearance of the historic commercial center.

Raja Bazaar has served as a major wholesale trading center for Rawalpindi Division, Azad Kashmir, and Hazara Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for more than 150 years. The market is known for offering essential goods at lower prices compared to ordinary markets.

The bazaar has also remained one of Rawalpindi’s most important political centers, with several political movements starting from the area.

However, after the renovation, political rallies, protests, and demonstrations have been declared prohibited. The area will now operate only as a commercial hub.