The first phase of Saddar Underground Cabling and Beautification Project is completed and the second phase is now in planning.

A financing request of RS1.5 billion has been submitted to the Military Lands and Cantonments Department (MLCD) and the Ministry of Defense for approval.

According to sources, Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) has carried out the project in two phases in the past year to transform the entire Saddar commercial areas.

The first phase that was completed at a price of RS1.2 billion has transformed Bank Road into a European pedestrian street that attracts considerable public attention.

The area has now improved cleanliness, decorative tiles, stylish seating, modern lighting, wide paths, uniform store signage, executing laundry room, model food kiosks and a free electric shuttle service.

The second phase, estimated to cost RS1.5 billion, will expand the underground electrification and beautification work to Adamjee Road, Kashmir Road, Murree Road, Saddar Haathi Chowk, Hospital Road, Babu Mohalla, Chhota Bazaar, Kabari Bazaar, Coal Center, Police Station Road, Railway Road and Adjacent Marketing.

The planning is completed under the supervision of former RCB chief engineer Abdul Rahim Sheikh and senior engineer Abdul Samad Khan.

However, due to the extensive coverage area, it is expected that phase two will take over over a year to complete, although efforts will be made to minimize the timeline.

RCB spokesman Rasheed Saqib stated that work on phase two will begin as soon as the funds are approved and paid out.

RS1.5 billion financing request has been forwarded to MLCD, which will further process it through the Ministry of Defense and the Punjab government.

When completed, this phase will lift the facades to commercial buildings in Saddar, giving the area a modernized look with improved facilities.

In addition, plans are underway for underground pedestrian crossings at TM Chowk and Mall Plaza Chowk, a signal-free fish-stomach U-turn at Shalimar Chowk and an underground pedestrian street between AFIC and Medicine Market.

This project with an estimated cost of RS4,38 billion is already underway and is expected to be completed within three to four months.