By In a major step to tackle traffic congestion and parking shortages in Lahore’s historic inner city, the Punjab provincial cabinet has approved the construction of six underground parking plazas at a total estimated cost of Rs. 31.5 billion.
According to official details, the projects will be executed by the Communications and Works (C&W) Department and strategically located near key entry points of the walled city to accommodate growing vehicular traffic.
Project Details and Costs
The planned parking plazas and their estimated costs are as follows:
- Mochi Gate Underground Parking Plaza – Rs. 5.2 billion
- Sheran Wala Gate Parking Plaza – Rs. 8 billion
- Taxili Gate Parking Plaza – Rs. 5.2 billion
- Delhi Gate Underground Parking Plaza – Rs. 6 billion
- Bhati Gate Underground Parking Plaza – Rs. 2 billion
- Shah Alam Gate Underground Parking Plaza – Rs. 5.2 billion
Addressing Longstanding Traffic Woes
Lahore’s inner city is a hub of commercial, cultural, and historical activity, but its narrow streets and limited parking spaces have long created bottlenecks for residents, visitors, and traders. These new facilities are designed to accommodate a large number of vehicles, helping reduce roadside parking and ensuring smoother traffic flow.
Boost for Commerce and Tourism
By improving parking infrastructure, the Punjab government aims to not only ease daily commutes but also encourage tourism and local business activity. Better parking facilities near heritage sites like Mochi Gate and Delhi Gate are expected to improve accessibility for visitors and traders alike.
Implementation and Timeline
The projects will be carried out under the supervision of the C&W Department, with construction expected to start soon after necessary formalities and approvals are completed. The government has positioned these developments as part of a larger urban mobility plan for Lahore.
This initiative signals a strong commitment to modernizing infrastructure, preserving the cultural charm of Lahore’s walled city, and making it more accessible for both locals and tourists.
