By The Punjab government is considering a major underground parking facility near Data Darbar and Bhati Chowk in Lahore as part of a broader plan to improve traffic management and redevelop the historic core of the city. The proposed project could provide much-needed parking capacity in an area that experiences heavy traffic and limited space for vehicles.
According to reports, the Traffic Engineering and Transport Planning Agency (TEPA) has prepared a proposal for a three-level underground parking facility and submitted it to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for approval. However, the project has not yet received final approval, meaning it should currently be considered a proposal rather than a confirmed construction project.
Rs8 Billion Parking Project Proposed
The proposed underground parking facility is estimated to cost more than Rs8 billion. If approved, it could accommodate approximately 549 cars and 1,640 motorcycles, creating significant additional parking capacity near one of Lahore’s busiest religious and commercial areas.
The project forms part of a wider redevelopment and traffic-management plan for the Data Darbar-Bhati Gate corridor. Punjab government departments involved in the broader initiative include TEPA, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), the Communication and Works Department and the Punjab Auqaf and Religious Affairs Department.
The planned works reportedly include parking infrastructure, pedestrian walkways, development of an outer plaza, beautification and other traffic-management measures.
Data Darbar Area Faces Major Traffic Pressure
The area around Data Darbar and Bhati Chowk is particularly challenging from a traffic-management perspective. The corridor serves large numbers of shrine visitors, commuters, motorcycles, rickshaws and vehicles travelling towards Lahore’s historic Walled City.
Limited parking availability often results in roadside parking and temporary stopping, which can contribute to congestion. The situation can become more difficult during peak hours, Fridays and major religious occasions when visitor numbers increase substantially.
A large underground parking facility could help address some of these problems by moving parked vehicles away from surrounding roads and pedestrian areas.
Data Darbar-Bhati Gate Underpass Already Operational
The proposed parking project comes as the Punjab government continues redevelopment work in the area. The Data Darbar-Bhati Gate underpass is now operational, forming part of efforts to improve traffic movement around Data Darbar, Bhati Gate and approaches to the Walled City.
The underpass and proposed parking facility are part of a broader effort to improve mobility while upgrading the urban environment around one of Lahore’s most important historical and religious landmarks.
If approved, the underground parking facility could complement these infrastructure improvements by providing dedicated parking for both cars and motorcycles.
Project Still Awaits Final Approval
Despite the scale of the proposal, motorists and residents should note that the Rs8 billion Data Darbar underground parking project has not been finally approved. Its construction, timeline and final design will depend on approval by the Punjab government and subsequent implementation decisions.
If the proposal moves forward, the facility could become an important component of Lahore’s historic-core redevelopment strategy, potentially reducing roadside parking, improving pedestrian movement and easing traffic pressure around Data Darbar and Bhati Chowk.
For now, the project remains at the proposal stage, while existing traffic-management and redevelopment measures continue in the area.
Disclaimer: Project cost, capacity and design details are based on the reported proposal and may change if the Punjab government approves and modifies the project.
